POLOKWANE – The 32-year-old from Seshego has always had a passion for handcrafts and this passion guided her in her choice to make a career from making and selling jewellery and accessories.
With matric farewell fever tangible all across the province, every Gr 12 learner is talking about what they’ll wear and which accessories will tie their outfits together.
Joyce holds a qualification in public relations and marketing and makes accessories ideally suited for any type of event, whether it be formal, casual, during the day or in the evening.
“I got into the handcrafts business full-time after I realised there was a demand for my products after many people asked me where I bought an accessory I had made myself. It stood out so much and had so many people talking I decided to take the chance to turn my passion into a business. Around this time of the year I get orders to make accessories for matric farewells for the Gr 12’s, so I now improvise and make stylish, glamorous accessories to complement their outfits. I use fabric, beads and other materials to make accessories such as chokers, tie-dropper neck pieces and clutch bags among other jewellery pieces,” she said.
Joyce works with Magdeline Rachidi who started off as a beadwork accessory designer before moving on to design and styling.
“I started making beadwork accessories with my sister, who sadly passed away. I kept on doing beadwork as it reminds me of her, she mentored me and taught me how to make some of the items I make now, the designs just came to me as time went by. Even though there are challenges such as special machinery needed to make the items in large quantities, I don’t allow that to hold me back by learning how to be strong and persevere to still meet deadlines,” Magdeline said.
The two young women share the same sentiments of empowerming each other and they plan to empower others by sharing their skills and knowledge with others so they too can become self-employed instead of waiting for job opportunities to avail themselves.
