Seloba fired up
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday September 26, 2021 06:00
In an interview with Arts & Culture, she said in the late 80s her father came back from South Africa where he was working in the mines and had bought a sewing machine that was operated with a foot. She said when she was doing standard five she started makingdolls. She added that she also got inspiration from The Bold and the Beautiful soapie where she learnt a lot about the fashion industry from Forester Creations.
“I did certificate in Fashion Design at Gaborone Technical College then progressed to do associate degree in textile design at Limkokwing University and I finished the program in 2016. I was later funded by Youth Development Fund (YDF) to start my Fashion House that is now still operating in Bokaa. I make elegant designs for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, school uniforms and men’s wear. My target audience is public at large around Botswana and going forward I would love to open different branches around Botswana,” she said.
Seloba added that she would also like to sell fabrics . However, she pointed out that COVID-19 pandemic outbreak negatively affected her business adding that she was forced to let go of her workers and remain with only two since she could not afford to pay them. She added that the fashion industry faced many challenges which included expensive materials.
She showcased her work at President’s Day Competitions, Global Expo, Youth Expo, Namibia and MRS Botswana. She added that she was now ready than ever for outside world if anything comes up. Her merchandise is only available at Bokaa. Seloba however pointed out that she would love to have shops in other areas across the country as a way of penetrating the market. Even though there is currently no business she said since it is a wedding season she will push hard to make money.
“The public loves my designs especially the ones we showcased at MRS Botswana 2021 fashion show. Apart from fashion design, I have chickens on my back garden and they are only 50. I sell to individuals. I have been nominated for the Best Fashion Personality in BNYC Awards and looking forward to win the award and be more successful. I will also welcome investors in my business,” she ended.