MALEBOGO MARUMOAGAE: It is not about being your own boss, it is about finding a solution to a problem
This is a woman rooted in love. Love for her mother, work and for others. She is love. She is Malebogo Marumoagae. We were first introduced to Malebogo as a beauty queen when she was crowned Miss Botswana in 2006. Today, she still wears that crown, now as the belle of Belle Larissa. A consultancy company she founded in 2009 and went on to win a Woman in Business Award for, under the category of Young Female Entrepreneur of The Year in 2016. Belle Larissa slayed at the end of 2017 when it hosted what would become the inaugural International Women in Mining conference (IWiM). Malebogo not only has a good business and a few awards to her name, she holds a degree in Economics and Population Studies, and an MBA from the University of Botswana. I had a chat with her and this is her inspirational story. Tell us about yourself. I am Malebogo Marumoagae. I was born and bred in Tonota by one of the strongest women I know, Diteko Marumoagae. My mother has taught me how to be confident in my own skin, to respect others and myself and most importantly to know that I am nothing without God. I believe in the law of attraction. That whatever you think, eventually becomes your reality. Even the Bible says in the book of Proverbs ‘above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. I love reading, in fact, I have learned so much from the books I read and I am always encouraging anyone who wants to be a leader to make reading a habit and not a hobby. Tell us more about Belle Larissa. Belle Larissa is a BQA registered and accredited institution providing training on personal branding, professional image, and etiquette. Our main aim is to assist individuals, young and old to be the best that they can possibly be especially in today’s world where there is competition in almost every opportunity that arises. For organizations, we assist their employees to align their personal brands with their corporate brand. How would you define etiquette? Are we a people that care for it, especially locally? Etiquette is simply a set of rules that govern socially accepted behavior. It is about showing respect and making others feel comfortable and at ease when they are around you. The word may be new to some, however, etiquette is not a new thing. In our Setswana culture, we call it Botho. It is behaving graciously in any given situation. It is not an issue of whether people care for it or not, Etiquette is a requirement for civilization. I wish I could confidently say our services have gained the attention they deserve. We have done our bit, but I still believe there is still much to be done. Winning the Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year, how significant was that moment for you? That was a very surreal moment. I felt really proud of my team and I. As you may know, our business is relatively new in Botswana so to have that recognition was a great confidence booster. However, we also understand that it means we need to keep working hard to ensure that we stay on top of our game. In 2017, Belle Larissa hosted the first ever International Women in Mining (IWiN) Conference in Botswana. What inspired the initiative? Yes, together with Brandneue Media, we hosted the first-ever Women in Mining Conference in Botswana in 2017. This initiative was inspired by the need to promote greater participation of women in the mining industry. The numbers show that the mining industry is one of the most male-dominated industries in the world and Botswana is no exception. We wanted to play our part by bringing together women, who are already in the mining industry, those with aspirations of getting in the industry, policymakers, and financial institutions under one roof, to discuss the challenges as well as come up with solutions to increase the participation of women in this industry. What does it mean for you as an African woman being in business? African women have from time been in business to feed, educate and take care of their children. It means so much to me that I am part of a group of phenomenal women who have either by choice or default found themselves in business. Being a woman and in business has never been an easy thing. I hope I am able to inspire other upcoming business women to follow their dreams the same way I have been inspired by hard-working, women who came before me. How do you suppose one can recognize themselves as an empowered woman? For me, an empowered woman is one who has a choice to be whatever she wants to be. She knows her worth, is confident in her own skin and is not intimidated by the success of other women. An empowered woman stands for herself, speaks for herself and is the voice to the voiceless. As she goes up, she pulls others with her. What three principles would you say drives your business? Our business is driven by the love to see other people excel and become the best versions of themselves. We believe in team-work as everyone has their own unique abilities which can contribute towards ensuring that our clients get quality service. What advice would you give to young women who want to be their own boss? For me, it is not about being your own boss, it is about finding a solution to a problem or problems facing our society and then putting together a team that shares your vision and working together towards achieving that vision. For anyone who wants to take that path, I would say, it is not an easy road to take but if you want it so bad, you need to put in the effort, develop yourself, read extensively and have a never-give-up attitude.
Lebogang Motlalekgosi: You need these qualities to start a crocheting business
Its evident that nowadays, our young moguls are doing what they are passionate about, rather than what the status quo dictates to them. After completing her BA in Humanities, with a major in sociology and environmental science, Lebogang Motlalekgosi struggled to find a job, but that did not break her spirit as she decided to use her crocheting skills and follow her passion. She became a mogul at 27 years old when she started a crocheting business, and she seems to be doing quite well. “Being able to crochet things people can use in their daily lives is what gets me falling in love with it every day”, she confesses. Ms. Motlalekgosi states that she does not limit herself when it comes to her crocheting business. She makes a variety of product that suit a wide range of audience, from baby booties, blankets, as well as wearables for kids and adults. Motlalekgosi says she draws inspiration from everywhere, but she started this business because of her sister who is one of the people who believe in her. [bctt tweet=”“I learned how to crochet when I was about 9 years old” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Which four qualities does one need, in order to venture into this unusual business? 1. Patience: Crochet is about math which may mean counting tons of stitches and it can be quiet exhausting especially when numbers are not your friend like me. 2. Creativity: Possibilities are endless with crochet. There is so much one can make from clothing to décor items. You just have to be willing to keep re-inventing and learning. 3. Determination: Like with any other business, you need to be determined to make it a success through research, investing your time, and energy. 4. Love: I believe by pouring your heart into everything, fall in love with your craft and others eventually will. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Inspiration is everywhere but I started this business because of my sister Johannah, who is one of the people who really believed in me sometimes more than I believed in myself. I am also inspired every time I finish a product because it not only boosts my confidence but it inspires me to want to learn more and make more products. [bctt tweet=”Work hard and work some more: Believe in your craft more than anyone else. ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What are the four tips you can give to someone who wants to venture into the crocheting business? Research: Buy books and find other resources that will help you improve your craft. Experiment: don’t limit yourself to just one product, try other things as well, it will do wonders for your confidence. Don’t give up even when you feel like it: Especially when the math doesn’t add up, as it usually does when making a new product. Work hard and work some more: Believe in your craft more than anyone else. How do you overcome challenges? Some of the materials are not easily accessible, but I overcome that by working with what I have and making the most of it. What is your most outstanding achievement so far? For me, every single order is an outstanding achievement. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than watching a customer smile when trying out a product I made and telling me how much they love it because I pour my energy, love and time into every product. Describe your typical Monday morning. Haha, my Monday mornings are random in terms of activities. On one Monday I could wake up and head straight to the couch and start crocheting while others begin with a little workout. My evenings are usually characterized by preparing supper for my family, watching my favorite series while crocheting. Do you know of any entrepreneur with an unusual business idea? Share their story here.
Khumo Kgwaadira: Sometimes I fall, I rise up, fall and rise up again
[bctt tweet=”I don’t sleep. I see the need to put in work and take advantage of my position.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Khumo Kgwaadira is an entrepreneur, radio presenter, a sought-after host, fashion designer and #MotherlandMogul in Botswana. Having studied IT in Malaysia, she still managed to dominate the entertainment industry working for Radio Botswana under the RB2. Khumo has been a television presenter on various television shows. She also runs a community organization called WHO AM I which is helping young individuals self-actualize and realize their true potential. What would you say led you to radio and entertainment? It is something that has always been in my heart. As a little girl I used to love watching television and imitating presenters as they did their job. I would always tell my parents and sisters that one day I would be a superstar…they thought I was kidding. As for radio, it’s a thought that came to mind while I was in college. When I have an idea I write it down and revisit all my ideas time and again but funny enough the radio idea, I put it on social media. I updated my twitter profile in college and wrote: student, upcoming radio presenter. I don’t know why I did but that was the beginning of my journey. Can you tell us more about your brand as a radio host and what challenges you faced? I work at RB2 FM and have worked there since October 2013. I currently host the breakfast show called Breakfast n’ Bold with T.H.A.B.O Weekdays 6-9 a.m. On Fridays, I read the 3pm news bulletin and on Saturday I host the TOP40 with Zandile Bawe. Radio is one of the highlights of my life and working for a national radio station truly is a blessing. I have learnt to connect to a wide listenership of different cultures, races and backgrounds. I have learnt to grow up funny enough, to be mature, to invest in my craft through reading, and to be better every single day. Also, I have had to overcome not letting the noise from outside shift my focus. [bctt tweet=”Radio is one of the highlights of my life @MissGeeKays” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What four skills have you found yourself using/learning frequently since starting in the business? Patience: I am the least patient person in the world I must confess but working with a team has helped me understand that not everyone is like me. More than that not everything or everyone will work as hard as I do so I leaned into being enduring with the people around me. Focus: I believe this is the greatest weapon everyone should have. Sometimes I fall, I rise up , fall and rise up again, I am learning every day to focus on what is important. This entertainment industry is unkind, complicated and harsh…focus is what has gotten me through. Hard work: I don’t sleep. I see the need to put in work and take advantage of my position in the industry because in the next 3 years there will someone better and more relevant in the industry. Commitment: I have learnt this early on in college, to stay committed to my work because I know for sure at the end of the day I will be reaping the rewards of the work I put in. What challenges have you faced working in a male-dominated industry and also being on television? Unfortunately, people take you for granted thinking you cannot deliver, that is the nature of the game. I have had to constantly prove myself that I can actually deliver. That has been and still is one of the challenges I face. You expanded recently to clothing with Faddic, what inspired that and what do you hope to achieve? My love for fashion started in college after I was exposed to the Asian fashion scene. The lifestyle in Asia is completely different from what we see in Botswana. I was especially drawn to Malaysia which is so diverse and the fusion of different cultures sparked my interest. I am one person who is always interested in knowing more, I gravitated towards fashion and being chic. I said to myself that one day when I am a powerhouse I would have my own fashion label and it would really be cool to have people wear “ME”.. and I didn’t want do it alone. I waited for the right time and One Motlhabane was the right person to work with together and our collaboration is black girl magic MISSGEEKAYSxFADDIC. We hope to change the fashion industry in Africa and take it by storm. What led you to start WHO AM I and what do you want to accomplish through it? This came from a tough place. A place of pain.. a place of self-doubt. It got to a point and a time in my life where I felt there was no reason to live. The stigma and insecurity was overwhelming. One evening in 2011 I wrote a proposal down and titled it WHO AM I and prayed about. I asked God to guide me and help me launch a powerful movement that will tackle issues of “self”. In 2015 we launched and now WHO AM I is changing the lives of many in a positive way. I’m thrilled to be part of that movement. How would you advice someone who looks up to you? Love and believe in yourself a little bit more. [bctt tweet=”I don’t believe in regrets …instead what I draw from that is my biggest achievement, living my dream” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Do you have any regrets? I don’t believe in regrets …instead what I draw from that is my biggest achievement, living my dream. Everything I am doing now is what I have always wanted to do since I was young. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Kagiso Madibana: Believe in your product, Create your own hype
[bctt tweet=”Kagiso Madibana driving the change she wants to see with social entrepreneurship” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Kagiso Madibana is a social entrepreneur and a former Chevening Scholar. She was selected as a participant from Botswana for the African Union’s Youth & Gender summit. In September 2016, Mail & Guardian Africa and Gabz FM named her as one of the 50 Batswana Change-makers under 40. Kagiso is a founder/chairperson of Nayang Association. Nayang aids and empowers the underprivileged, in remote areas through a school clothing, shoes, food, and sanitary pad drive. With an MA in Communications and Media from Cardiff University, she has also worked as a Lead Researcher for Botswana with Global Integrity/Mo Ibrahim for their Africa Integrity Indicators study. Before that, Kagiso had worked as a print journalist since 2008, during that time she was selected to join the International Journalist Programme(IJP)and was placed with the Deutsche Welle in Germany. Kagiso was also a part of the Women In News Programme from WAN-IFRA. She owns a small communications company called MD Africa Communications which offers editing and proof-reading services for companies amongst other things. Last year, she self-published a fiction book, “Tales from the Heart of Botswana: Baareng’s Journey” which is available on Amazon and select stores in Botswana. What would you say is the innovative idea behind Nayang Association and starting MD Communications? Nayang and MD Communications were birthed from youth driving the change they wanted to see in their communities. In my case, spearheading the initiative was a chance to get young people involved in contributing to their communities through social work. I also wanted to inspire young people to tell their stories. I wanted us to tell stories that any Motswana or African can relate to. How did you go about growing your “brand” and impact to run a social enterprise and become self-sustaining? At the beginning, Nayang Association was dependent on donations and membership fees for us to meet our mandate. We have since moved from that to intensive fund-raising strategies which require innovative thinking and new approaches to show our growth. [bctt tweet=”Using innovative thinking & new approaches Kagiso Madibana shows the growth of her projects” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] We organize yoga sessions, workshops and hiking sessions in the country’s hottest tourist attractions. We also collaborate with other organisations and youth ventures that want to make a difference in the community. Our biggest challenge in the first few months was consistency, something we could not have due to a shortage of funds but we worked on that and we are trying to find ways of becoming a sustainable entity. What four skills have you found yourself learning frequently since starting your social enterprise and publishing a book? I am learning to become more assertive about public speaking. Also, I am learning how to network strategically and make the right connections for any project that I am undertaking. I have accepted that I don’t know everything and I listen more, especially to people who are in the same industry. I always pick up valuable lessons on how to best improve our everyday operations at Nayang. Finally, I have learnt that delegating tasks and commending the people you work with is important for the growth of your organisation. What challenges have you faced that are unique to your business and writing a book? We had to start our project from scratch with nothing and ask the public to get involved. People are skeptical because we have had scams and a lot of community-based projects have failed due to mismanagement. So initially, it was tough to get the support and have people believe in what we wanted to do. We had to prove ourselves first so that required a great deal of financial sacrifices. [bctt tweet=”We had to start our project with nothing and ask the public to get involved @otwngal” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] As a self-published author, I struggled to get my books into an already fraught reading nation. The reading demographic, especially for fiction books, has changed and I had to adapt. Instead of the traditional bookstores which are only available in towns and cities, I had to take my books to Choppies, a chain store that has a presence in most areas of Botswana. This of course also comes at a cost. In what ways have you diversified your product to suit your market? Especially considering the Botswana context? Nayang plans activities across Botswana as we want to bring attention to the beauty of the country. We use hashtags such as #VisitBotswana #HikeBotswana #Buildingcommunities on social media platforms because we want the average Motswana to know that they are not only contributing to a great cause but also that they are developing a sense of pride about being a Motswana. My book, “Tales from the Heart of Botswana: Baareng’s Journey” is a book of untold stories of hope. Any Motswana who grew up in Botswana is able to relate to the stories and feel a sense of belonging. My intention with the book was to inspire through fiction. Ensuring that the book is available for any Motswana to access, whether you are in Mochudi or Shorobe has been my biggest priority. In both areas, social media and traditional media have been a great platform for me and the team to reach out to the community. This is the main reason why I started the MD Africa Communications company which deals with everything from social media management to Media relations and CSR project management. With running so many projects, what do you do to unwind? I watch Isibaya and every TV show known to man, I see myself as a Shonda Rhimes someday. I look up to Ferguson Films productions as well. Reading is obviously a hobby! I also love travelling, hiking and adventure sports. Some people want to write a book or start-up social enterprises, how would you advise them? Believe in your product and create your own hype! Start, that’s always the hardest part. Funding should never be a
Kokonut Stylist: African fashion is simply magic!
[bctt tweet=”I wanted to create something that was unique to me as a Swazi woman @KokonutStylist ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Kokonut Stylist aka Nomalungelo Koko Shabangu has always been passionate about clothing. She uses Swazi traditional material and transforms it into elegant ensembles. She is a passionate and creative being with an aim of creating a lasting fashion legacy that will outlive her. Nomalungelo’s understanding of fashion came with discovering Coco Chanel, whom she thinks is the greatest fashion icon to have walked this earth. She is inspired by Chanel in her fashion journey and believes that she is the reincarnation of Coco Chanel. Why did you choose to turn Swazi traditional attire into trending fashion items that can be worn on a daily basis? The lihiya (Swazi traditional cloth) inspiration came as a result of contemporary fashion trends. As women, we are going back to our roots; rocking natural hair, wearing traditional wear as a fashion statement, etc. I remember vividly wanting to create something that was unique to me being a Swazi woman, something that had never been done before. That was how we created our Atibuye Emasisweni range of Swazi-inspired accessories that later inspired the use of lihiya in the clothing we make. Atibuye Emasisweni means what’s ours should return to us. [bctt tweet=”As women, we are going back to our roots wearing traditional wear as a fashion statement” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Why did you choose a career path in fashion? I think fashion chose me and it continues to choose me every day. I am a qualified IT Business Analyst, complete with a Master’s Degree in IT and I have a full-time job in IT. Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Starting my business was merely an organic thing, I was already blogging about fashion, styling people and organizing tailors for people long before I opened the business last year January. I was born to create beautiful fashion pieces. What is the state of fashion in Swaziland and how would you like to see it grow? Swazi fashion is exciting and we are culturally a vividly colorful nation. The exciting thing about Swazi Fashion right now is how the contemporary fashion is embracing our heritage. There’s a beautiful unorganized movement where everywhere you go, you see people beautifully dressed with hints of lihiya and this is even more overstated at weddings; it is a really beautiful thing to witness. [bctt tweet=”@KokonutStylist is a qualified IT Business Analyst with a full-time job” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Which designers have you collaborated with and why was it memorable? So far none because Kokonut Stylist has only been in formal business for a year this month. However, I will only be collaborating with a skilled designer from SA who does the best men’s suits now in 2017. I am excited about this collaboration because it widens Kokonut Stylist’s portfolio. We will start doing men’s apparel this year. What has been the highlight of your career thus far? It was being selected by Africa Fashion Reception to represent Swaziland in Ethiopia and Paris and having our first ever runway show at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. It was so surreal and thinking about it still feels like I was perhaps dreaming. I had never walked down a runway before and I still remember how gratified I was to do that as a designer. It felt like life was affirming to me that I belonged on the runway, with models wearing my designs. [bctt tweet=”Life was affirming to me that I belonged on the runway @KokonutStylist ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What advice would you like to give to young people who would like to turn their passion into a business? Be bold…VERY BOLD and empower yourself with all the skills you need to turn your passion into a profitable business. Never conform, except when it’s conforming to who you truly are as a creative person. Do you think that designers are given enough training to turn their passion into a business? I believe that as a designer, you have to find out for yourself how you can be the best in a way that best speaks to you…there is no generic solution for everyone and no one will give you training for free. Learn from only the best, teach yourself to aspire to greatness and you have to constantly want to better yourself. In terms of turning your passion into a business, we are all just winging it until we find what truly works for us and capitalize on that. Does anyone ever truly know what to do for sure? I doubt it. Art and culture form a big part of our identity as Africans, do you think it is given the value it deserves? The saddest thing about our art and culture as Africans is that it is truly given value after it’s been exploited overseas. For example, Louis Vuitton did a line on entirely African Inspired artifacts (they called it the Sahara Collection) and it has Massai Blankets, the famous Khonzekhaya bag print and it was like people were seeing for the first time. An American beauty parlor will package our clay and blog about its “ancient beauty benefits” when we have been using red clay on our faces for years! We don’t see how valuable our art and culture is until it’s sold to us and that is sad. However, even with that being the fact, it’s beautiful to observe that African creatives (fashion, contemporary, graphic designers, etc) are now largely going inwardly (back to our roots) for inspiration. [bctt tweet=”We don’t see how valuable our art & culture is until it’s sold to us @KokonutStylist ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What do you think sets African fashion from the rest of the world? There is no place as beautiful, diverse and wondrous as Africa and this translates even to our fashion, Africa is, simply put, magic! If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa,
Tsholofelo Dikobe: I grew up knowing I had a special relationship with clothes
[bctt tweet=”@thekhoi_fro does any and everything pertaining fashion, the world of fashion is her oyster” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] In SLA contributor Kendi Sapepa’s last article the stylist profession was explored. What would be better than to follow up with an actual stylist? Botswana’s Tsholo Dikobe has put her country on the map through her artistic and creative nature. Tsholo has recently been nominated for the Abryanz Style and Fashion Award, in the ‘Best Dressed Celebrity’ category. Kendi recently had a chat with the renowned stylist, award-winning fashion writer, and curator Hello, Tsholo, please tell our readers a little more about yourself? I’m from Botswana and on the Voice On Fashion column in The Voice Newspaper, I give an overall forecast of the world of fashion. Furthermore, together with my partner, Gaone Mothibi, we feature established and upcoming local talent from in and around Botswana, and also around Africa and the world. How did you get into styling? Growing up, when words failed me, I spoke fluent volumes with my clothes. I grew up knowing that I had a special relationship with clothes because I wore them quite differently and uniquely all the time. When it was civic day at school, I was always the centre of attention! Fast forward to my early university days, I started dancing and working with some of Botswana’s top musicians and artists. My love for dancing required great costumes on stage, and looking the part. I was always invested in how we’d execute our looks on stage and how the final presentation will be received by the masses. This is how my styling career started. You call yourself a Fashion Artist, please tell us a little more about that title. I do any and everything pertaining fashion. I believe the world of fashion is my oyster. Also, I document and report about the world of fashion for the biggest and followed fashion column in Botswana, The Voice On Fashion. I blog about my fashion experiences and life at The Khoi-fro. In addition, I style renowned musicians and public figures in Botswana. I direct shoots for advertorials and more! Hence the term fashion artist. It’s a million fashion things in one. Please explain to us what your job entails? How does it works? What are the day to day activities etc? The world of fashion is an exciting yet disrupting pursuit. It’s exciting in the sense that no day is the same. You get to experience networking with great people and icons in the field and learn so much. Moreover, styling people is a great joy. From being responsible for how a person looks at themselves after you have styled them —the feeling is always great. The visible inner dialogue change that you get to experience with a client is a fulfilling feeling. From a technical aspect, I organise photos shoots, co-ordinate shoot outfits and develop a creative communication. Moreover, I develop a fashion trend report or fashion calendar for upcoming fashion seasons. You get to be responsible for deciding the creative influence and direction of a trend/product. There’s also supervising the work of photographers, models, clients, for a high end fashion editorial. Would you say that your field is fairly easy to get into? It is, but what you need far beyond anything else is passion and dedication. [bctt tweet=”Tsholofelo Dikobe: The world of fashion is an exciting, no day is the same. ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Are there other avenues someone could take with your experience? The world of fashion has many fields. There is the business side of fashion which involves fashion entrepreneurship and management. For the business-minded people, one can get into retailing, buying or merchandising. You have to know your area of interest and act accordingly. Often, some companies will encourage lesser known people and newcomers to work for free, however offer experience and exposure, what is your take on this? I believe there is an entry level to any career or profession. But the entry level should come with a monetary incentive. An entry level does not mean exposure. Exposure in my books just means it is unpaid work, which is daylight robbery. What would your advice be to people who are looking to get into styling? Learn and know the history of your craft. Identify a gap and creatively close it. Where can people see your work? You can follow me and my work on Instagram, and with my partner Gaone Mothibi. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook. Want to see women you know featured on SLA? Tell us what amazing things women are doing in your communities here.
Lessons we can learn about building a social brand from Seatbelts&Openspaces
[bctt tweet=”It is important to incorporate a social issue that can be part and parcel of the story behind your brand” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Social branding is important in trying to build enterprises that are btoh sustainable and socially responsible. We can learn a few lessons from Seatbelts&Openspaces CEO, Thuto Sekate. Seatbelts&Openspaces is an ethically social brand which produces sustainable merchandise including up-cycled arts and crafts, clothing, and décor made from organic material, old clothes, trash and scrap material. 1. What influences your brand? For Thuto, a #MotherlandMogul making vintage clothing with environmentally friendly products, her influence is from her past. “Seatbelts&Openspaces is a result of an ethical father and mother. My dad once worked for an NGO that dealt with social issues, then moved on to work for a can recycling company. Later, my mother started a glass and paper recycling company while I was still a minor. So caring for the environment was naturally drummed into me.” In university, she had the experience to cover a topic of sustainable fashion. This exposed Thuto to her calling to address her social issue of choice through eco fashion. When building a social brand, it is important to incorporate a social issue that can be part and parcel of the story behind your brand. 2. Clearly define your brand Through her platform, Thuto directly addresses environmental issues, making clothing from waste or recyclable material. She also upcycles, with ethical practices such as using natural dyes like coffee and tea in her production. Thuto’s focus is incorporated in every fabric and material she makes which is clearly visible in whatever she sells. Through her style of fashion, Thuto reduces the carbon footprint by handcrafting her work. There is a conscious effort in her work to ensure that her brand clearly associates itself as environmentally conscious and friendly. [bctt tweet=”Thuto Sekate directly addresses environmental issues through Seatbelts&Openspaces” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 3. Learning from others “I am definitely following other social brands, both fashion for their trends and just eco brands for the information of staying eco conscious.” Thuto learns a lot from more developed socially responsible brands that help her find better ways to structure her business. This way, she can improve her process and technique as well as raising her integrity associated with being a “woke” brand. 4. There will be challenges still, SLAy In countries like Botswana, building a eco friendly brand is not common or well known as part of the business process. So not everyone will understand immediately your work. “Awareness of the cause is still building up in Botswana, so very few people understand the deeper meaning of the brand. The educational part of the need for such a brand needs to be built before we can successfully make a significant social impact. I guess that’s why Seatbelts&Openspaces is a need. Our attempts are to close that gap of understanding and rocking the brand while creating employment opportunities for the youth. Mostly the balancing of profit and good will.” Beyond looking to make a profit, your brand has to look at long-term sustainable solutions to ensure it meets its targets and impacts its community positively. [bctt tweet=”Building a social brand requires realizing that you improving your space in one way or another” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 5. Be a game changer Building a social brand requires realizing that you are different and improving your space in one way or another. Your platform can influence others on how they perceive social challenges around them, especially now in Africa. “The possibilities are endless for us, we are the actual future. With the amount of “woke” young people in my circle alone, my faith in humanity is restored daily. Photographers, weavers, bloggers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, online store owners are each tackling different social issues. From documenting poverty in photos, offering artisanal skills to the less fortunate, selling art made by locals all over the world at fair prices, giving locals an opportunity to grow beyond borders or awarding free medical services, with the help of crowdfunding. We do need to make profit, but it should not be at the expense of others.” Seatbealts&Openspaces does not shy always from realizing the task of changing the narrative on consciousness in business in the Motherland. Neither should you.