Home of Style houses strong values
A women in a suit that I appreciate, which I find very attractive. A woman who's in charge of her life, a queen of note and one who is very confident about her appearance
POLOKWANE – Wendy Hlapa, a 26-year-old woman and founder of her own clothing brand, Home of Style, is a cut above her competition.
Wendy hails from Schoonveld Bochum village but recently relocated to Polokwane. By day, she is a consultant for a private security company which she enjoys, but devotes all her spare time to Home of Style.
“I have two older brothers, and I also had a little sister who passed away, I dedicate all my hard to her. I’m the second last born in the family and my brothers sometimes give me their input with their design ideas. I love the fact that my whole family is supportive of my dreams, I appreciate them for giving me the courage to succeed,” she says.
As if managing a job and running a business is not hard enough, Wendy is pursuing a Public Relations Course. She is also a qualified air traffic controller and has a certificate in software skills development.
“My love for clothes inspired me to start my own brand, and growing up I always played dress up with my mom and sister, I would turn a simple cloth into something very beautiful and no one could even tell,” she explains. Wendy says apart from playing dress up with her mom, she grew up believing that strong women wear suits and she told herself that one day she will make suits for women.
“There is just something about women in suits that I appreciate, which I find very attractive. A woman who’s in charge of her life, a queen of note and one who is very confident about her appearance,” she said. Wendy says she has the most supportive family and a supportive partner as well, who sometimes stays up late with her, and they encourage her to do exceed her own expectations. Her dream is for her brand to grow, saying she hopes to employ people and give young designers training so South Africa will have more in-house tailors and host top fashion shows.
Home of Style donates sanitary towels to underprivileged girls in government schools for every item sold. This could be anything from a full suit to a lapel flower and even a pair of socks so by supporting local talent, you also support a local girl child.
And since Wendy lost her little sister to cancer, she has been working with a cancer hospice, donating food and other items when the need arises.
Her advice to other young and aspirant designers, “Go for it and do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because you can. Believe in yourself because no one can believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.”
