POLOKWANE – “Love, respect and protection for women is non-negotiable. If we can all unite, we can achieve so much”
Lacia Buthane is the founder and CEO of Bomma Sneaker and grew up in Moletjie.
Buthane’s journey began during his tertiary education when he would use brushes and acrylic paint to create designs on t-shirts and charge his customers for the garments.
He told the Polokwane Review-Observer that he used to own an online boutique that sold big international brands but decided not to heavily invest in products that weren’t his own after facing some challenges.
Buthane then started his own brand Bomma as an ode to mothers, grannies, sisters and aunts.
The brand boasts t-shirts, dresses, sneakers and hats and makes use of social media to attract customers. A recent collaboration with Thobela FM helped them reach their target market and influencers also contributed to the brand.
Buthane highlighted that to keep their brand running they do research about what customers want. This is done through monthly customer surveys and reviews on their Facebook page.
“I always go with the majority views as its presents true reflections of possible sales and when I’m criticised, I make sure to rectify because we all makes mistakes.”
“Our next goal is to have a physical shop in Polokwane because the demands are too high. My customers also requested to have tracksuits so I’m still busy with the design as I prefer not to rush designs because I respect my customers.”
Buthane encouraged those who want to start their own brands to do so but to avoid beef, respect your customers and be consistent.
“Don’t eat all the little profit you get, reinvest it back to your business to ensure growth. Don’t worry about the price, worry about the quality.”
