22 Sep 2020

Business by its nature and fortune has the ability to sustain one’s life and change the future for the better.

This is what happened to Gosego Lemeno of Gakgamane Fashion Design.

While some people struggle to find what they can venture into, Lemeno did not look far as she followed what was close to her heart and fashion designing came to her mind as it has been a hobby.

Her love for fashion designing dates back to her secondary school days where home economics and home management were close to her heart.

Lemeno added that she liked the designs they made during home economics and home management subjects which spurred her passion for fashion and design.

When she completed school she purposed to immediately start a business, and wanted to apply for youth funding, but lack of training on fashion forced her to look for school in  that line.

Even the youth office cemented that she will have to possess some qualifications for her to be considered for funding.

The budding seamstress then realised the importance of training and went to do a fashion and design course at Moshupa Brigade and registered Gakgamane Fashion Design in 2018. On her completion she applied and was funded by the Youth Development Fund to a tune of P75 000 in 2019.

Lemeno further said lack of funding did not deter her as she continued her passion and her parents later helped her to go to school for fashion design training.

Her desire to reach greater heights was even increased. The fashion lover said learning fashion does not stop with training as fashion design and style is an ongoing project that helps one keep with the ever changing fashion trends in the world.

She said one has to be always on top of their game and meet other fashion designers to learn from them as it was important to learn from one another.

Lemeno said despite COVID-19 pandemic her business has been doing well besides hiccups brought about by the lockdown.

She added that residents of Salajwe and surrounding villages support her business through purchase of uniforms for school children, wedding attires and any other form of fashion especially women.

She said due to less competition, she has loyal customers but does not make her complacent as she has to work more than usual to produce the best fashion clothes.

Lemeno said in the fashion industry, designers speak through the work of their hands because a satisfied customer becomes a loyal customer.

She looked into her business prospects and said she would like to see her business grow and expand.

She said her ambition was to become well-known in the fashion industry while aware that it won’t be easy and requires dedication for one to reach that level.

Lemeno said with the funding from YDF she managed to buy two sewing machines which helped enhance her business.

She encouraged other youths like her to take responsibility for their future and engage in something they were passionate about to earn a living.

Her business wish is to own a clothing firm and be able to create job opportunities for other locals. Her dream is to own an embroidery machine essential for her business growth. Ends