Izandla Beads keeps tradition alive
Izandla Beads founder Hlengiwe Mzelemu says her wish is to one day open up her own bead factory in order to create more jobs.
LIMPOPO- For the best traditional beads, look no further than Izandla Beads in Louis Trichardt.
Izandla Beads specialises in beads and accessories and according to the founder, Hlengiwe Mzelemu, this helps to keep tradition alive.
“We are trying by all means to revive and recover what we have lost in our culture. Our target market is both domestic and international tourists, who come and buy our beads and accessories.”
The business comes from humble beginnings, she told CV.
“In 2007, I realised that people like the beads and accessories. It started very small, but now I can safely say the business is growing. I also do beads for weddings, and Venda, Tsonga, Ndebele, and Zulu beads.”
She says her biggest challenge is other sellers who sell beads at a lower price and the effect that the lockdown had on business in 2020.
Her wish is to one day open up her own bead factory, so she can create more jobs.
“Opening a retail shop is another milestone I would like to achieve in the not so far future. I believe that the secret to success is hard work, consistency and perseverance.
“My aim is to train more young people so they will be able to do something for themselves and stop waiting for the government to do things for them,” she concluded.
