09 Jan 2019

A 27-year-old entrepreneur, promoter, activist and motivational speaker has started a modelling agency in Ramonaka in the Kgatleng District.

Thuso Sename, owner of Smart Candy Enterprise and Model Agency, said in an interview that he intended to create opportunities for those who wanted to earn a living through modelling as well as strengthening the fashion industry in rural areas.

 Sename said he was inspired him to venture into modeling business by the realisation that there was a gap in the modeling industry in rural areas.

The Ramonaka-born said his modelling agency also offered aspiring models a platform to network and exchange ideas that could help develop the fashion industry. 

Sename said smart candy differed from other modeling agencies because it groomed aspiring models by training them as well as doing test shoot, layout portfolios, competition photo cards and providing other material that models needed.

“We are not strict with size, this is open for anyone interested in joining as it will also help create confidence in individuals with their bodies and this year we are introducing plus-size models,’’ he said.

Regarding challenges, he cited low payments and shortage of sponsors as some of their challenges. 

“One of the reasons the fashion industry is developing at a snail pace in the country is due to lack of commitment and poor management,” he said.

He said his venture was doing well because he received gigs from organisations across the country. 

His models also paraded clothing lines of established shops and other clothing label.

Sename operated his business from home, but intended to move to a more suitable location once the business was well-established. 

He said he had signed 16 models under his agency of which 15 were ladies and a gentleman .

He used social media to scout for models. 

He also used social media to market his business and get into community events such as Dinokeng expo which he used to put his agency and models in a spotlight. 

“I plan to host auditions to select more models. The auditions are likely to be held next month,” he said.

Sename added that there were few competitors in Kgatleng hence the success of his business. 

“I have loyal models who have massively contributed to the growth of the company. I do not exploit them. I pay and treat them well,” he said.

He advised that those willing to go into the modeling business to be patient, have love for beauty and passion because it was not an easy business.   Ends