By Matṧeliso Phulane
Nteboheleng Taizlee Monyane and her friend Mahlomola Rametse are passionate designers who have a burning entrepreneurial spirit which led them venture into leather crafting business since 2019.
The two identified the gap into cultural shoes such as people who like fashion that embraces culture by making leather sandals but are yet searching for a suitable market.
In an interview with theReporter this week, Monyane said: “We identified the trends and suddenly decided to design something unique that goes along with the trend. As a person, creating something new has always been inspirational to me.”
He clearly added: “I was also inspired by entrepreneurs who always donate to the vulnerable people so, I have always wanted to be part of them as well.
“Besides that, I had long wanted to achieve financial independence and be my own boss.”
She explained that they use crafting tools that they buy from the local suppliers even though the supply is low. That being the case, some materials such as sole are purchased from South Africa because “it is not easily available in the country.”
“Our target market are people from Lesotho and all African countries who love fashion, even those who have problem with closed shoes and prefer sandals. Indians also normally wear them as their traditional attire, thus they are also our target market,” she indicated
Monyane was born and bred at Thabana-Morena in Mafeteng district. She is aged 32 and she studied B-Tech in Business Administration at the Central University of Technology and also studied fashion design in Quthing.
Her partner in business, Mahlomola Rametse is a 47 year-old who hails from Ha Mabote, in Maseru and recommended to be good at crafting leather sandals.
“Rametse is the one who learned the crafting, his passion began long time ago and still exists until today.
“He used to visit one of the leather designers whom he could sometimes even assist to craft until his desire and passion about crafting was instilled in him. Now he can craft his own shoes from scratch because he became passionate about crafting, that is when I realised his potential in doing the work,” she expressed.
Currently, the designers have four trainees, even though there are some of the challenges they have encountered since they started their business. They include low supply of crafting materials and a lacking of mechanical tools for production.
“These two challenges restrict us to achieve higher production as demanded by our clients and we fail to meet deadlines. Some people get annoyed and bring bad publicity about our business,” she said.
To overcome those challenges, she said they normally work day and night when they have a lot of orders. Regarding the low supply, they purchase some of the things outside the country.
Monyane said that since he ventured into the trade, she learned that business needs a consistent mind set. Again, in business they meet with different characters of customers.
She also learned that some people may criticise their work but “that does not mean one should be easily discouraged if such things happen.”
She urged: “Always remember this principle, a customer is always right. In a business you need to have a goal and vision, be as innovative as possible and try to keep up with the trends for a business to grow. Believe in what you do and forget about mediocrity.”
In terms of market she said their business keeps on fluctuating, but they normally make M6 000 Maloti to M7 000 when business is good.
In the next few years Monyane said they would love to see their brands on shelves of the most recognised shops in the country.
She also said their dream is to see the brand selling and advertising globally.
“We are going to strive to beef up our manufacturing and market functions to reach demands,” she observed
Her motivational words to the future entrepreneurs was that anything can make money in life, therefore they should find something they love most and try to make business out of it.
“You don’t need to go to school of business in order to be an entrepreneur, you can even use your natural talent. You do not need to start big, go bit by bit and you will get there, because Rome was not build in a day
“To those who are already in business they should never give up on what they believe in, even if they can fail, they should try as possible, keep pushing. Their mistakes will help them to grow stronger as they will learn from them,” she concluded.
Prices for the sandals range from M350 while the most expensive pair costs M1,200 Maloti.
Monyane can be contacted on + 266-56886736 or + 266-62000099
