By Seleoe Nonyane
Matsau Vincent Molai, the founder of one of the most popular clothing brands in the country – City Kings – launched his first shop in Maseru central business district last weekend.
City Kings is a local apparel brand that was established in May 2018 and produces jackets, leggings, sweaters, T-shirts, hats and many more.
The company also supplies clothes to corporate organisations including commercial banks.
Molai told this publication that he will not only be launching the shop, but will also be introducing new collections such as shoes.
He said this is a huge milestone for him as it has been one of his biggest dreams to open a shop since he established the business.
“This is big for me and I want to believe that my shop will be the first business producing local brands to be opened in the country. At the moment we operate from Oxford Building where we manufacture and sell the clothes.
“I am only launching this shop now because the business has grown and it was time I ventured into this direction. My clients always asked me to open a shop so I am thrilled that it has finally come to pass,” Molai noted.
He said he used part of the M100 000 that he won in the Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO) Business Plan competition this year to set up the shop. It was his fourth time participating in the competition.
“Having come short in my first three attempts, I’m happy that my patience paid off as I was finally able to succeed.”
Molai recounted how he had always had a passion for fashion but was unable to study it in tertiary as his parents did not approve.
“Fortunately, while in school I shared a room with someone who studied fashion and that worked to my advantage. I was able to learn from him and also helped him with drawing designs because he could not draw; this somewhat enhanced my drafting skills. He also had a sewing machine which I used to sew my torn clothes; so, basically, this is where it all started.
“After completing my studies, I realised that finding a job was difficult, so I decided to start the brand.”
Molai said the brand got off to a perfect start and quickly gained momentum, thanks to his effective marketing strategy.
Most businesses encounter challenges along the way and Molai’s was no different. His was meeting demand for his products and this nearly ruined the brand’s reputation.
“There were allegations that I only made clothes for certain people but that was not the case; my challenge was I was just unable to cope with the demand at the time.
“However, that is now a thing of the past. The good news is I have been able to provide jobs to eight people,” he added.
