Lufuno turns passion into business with handcrafted bags

LIMPOPO – Lufuno Mulaudzi is a young woman who has turned her talents and passion into a thriving business.

She sells handcrafted bags that she beautifully crochets from scratch. In 2024, she decided to start her own home-based business, Tshinakaho Luxury Handmade Bags, instead of seeking traditional employment.

Owning Tshinakaho Luxury Handmade Bags is a dream come true for her.

“It has always been my dream to create something luxurious from scratch and share it with the world. Each bag is not just an accessory but a testament to craftsmanship, patience and love. It is like holding a piece of art that tells a story of dedication and passion. All our products combine design and functionality and are built to last using locally sourced high-quality fabrics,” she said.

Her journey began in Gr 2 when needlework and crocheting were part of the subjects offered. She fell in love with the craft then and started making crocheted clothes and selling them in the Johannesburg CBD in the early 2000s.

However, being young and without proper business guidance, she stopped and focused on other things like hairdressing, nail technician work, floristry, and travel and tourism.

Despite this, her passion and love for fashion remained strong.

“One night, I had a dream about making bags, and that was the birth of Tshinakaho Luxury Handbags,” Mulaudzi shared.

The journey has been incredibly rewarding and challenging.

“Starting a business from scratch has taught me resilience and adaptability. I have grown both personally and professionally, and it is fulfilling to see my creations appreciated by customers. Each of my handmade bags is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high quality and uniqueness. They are made with love and care, incorporating traditional techniques with modern designs, making each bag a one-of-a-kind piece,” she said.

Mulaudzi is passionate about creating bags that resonate with people.

“The inspiration to travel, feeling good about buying local, the love of style, and the joy of functionality. Consistency and passion are key. Staying true to my craft and continually striving for excellence has helped me build a loyal customer base. Also, being adaptable and open to feedback has allowed my business to grow,” she explains.

Every business faces challenges, and Mulaudzi’s is no exception.

“One major challenge has been scaling production while maintaining quality. To overcome this, I have built a dedicated team and invested in training. Another challenge is staying updated with market trends, which I address by continuously learning and adapting,” she said.

Mulaudzi attributes her success to her incredible family.