Young entrepreneur launches bag range
Mpho Tlale | Thursday June 12, 2014 12:49
The young woman’s motivation comes from the belief that with hard work comes success.
Sekate told Showbiz that she started making bags for her own use, but decided to go commercial after quitting her job. Her bags are unique because they are made from recycled materials.
“My bags are of sentimental value because I turn something that was into something new. I bring new life into it,” she said.
Sekate said it is not often that one gets to own a bag, which once existed in a totally different form, either as a shirt or top.
Although she is sure that her bags have the potential to appeal to anyone, she believes that they will appeal more to people who appreciate arts and crafts.
She added that she is targeting open-minded people who will appreciate what her bags have to offer.
“Some people might not get it and the concept that I am pushing for. But those who are keen on arts and crafts will love and appreciate my bags,” she said.
Sekate hopes that her work will make an impact and bring about a social change. She expressed that recycling extends beyond just litter and covers other things like clothes that can also be given new life. She stated that she decided to go the eco way because not many people in Africa do what she does. She added that her eco-friendly influence comes from her family that has always been conscious about issues of recycling.
Sekate pointed out that she plans to expand her business and venture into making accessories, clothes and interior decor. As a fashion graduate she feels she does not have to limit herself to one thing, adding that she has to explore what she can do with her potential.
She explained that the name Seatbelts & Openspaces comes from the combination of business ethics with nature. She said Seatbelts in this case are a metaphor for the fact that a car is a basic necessity for every businessperson and Openspaces is derived from her love of nature.
At the moment Sekate said she is pushing her merchandise on Facebook, blogs and online magazines.