JOIN US IN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY FASHION CREATIVES

Hey Creatives!

How are you doing? A lot has changed in the past two months. None of us excepted this from a new decade.

We are going through a global pandemic and we are all finding new ways to cope with this new normal.  Your mental health comes first and it is that which you must cater to first.  Take it easy on yourself

On the 1st of May, the Government of Botswana has issued new legislation that makes it compulsory to wear masks. We are calling unto all Fashion Designers and Tailors to make cloths masks for Batswana. This is an opportunity to serve your community. 

Picture from Botswana Government

We can only get through this together. Let us continue to follow health guidelines.
Thank you so much.

Contact us on fashionmeetupbotswana@gmail.com or ownstylebusinessenquires@gmail.com

SDG COUTURE WORKSHOP

Hey Fashion Creatives!

Happy Throwback Thursday.

For Throwback Thursday we want to throw it back to our collaborative Project  SDG Couture.

Here are some snapshots of the workshop that took place last year in February.

HAPPY NEW MONTH

HAPPY NEW MONTH FASHION CREATIVES!

Its never to late to start making that fashion creative business come alive.
You got this and We can help you!

GET TO KNOW -GEEGEE STRAUS

Hey Creatives!

To start of our, Get to know Fashion Creatives in Botswana series, we have our favorite, Gape, mostly referred to as GeeGee Straus.

1. Tell us about yourself?

Although having to have been born “Gape Aubrey Khudu” it was in the late stages of my teen years when I started out in the modelling industry that I decided to go with the name GeeGee Straus as a way of separating my personal and professional lives.

2. Congratulation on having your first Model Master Class. Tell us about why a model master class and did it meet your expectations?

 I’ve worked with Empire Model Management for two consecutive years for their model scouting seasons and I couldn’t help but notice how little knowledge and skill needed by models was brought forth by the aspiring models so I started these classes as a way of bridging that gap. I want aspiring models to show up at auditions well equipped because it’s a hard cold world out there and the industry needs well equipped individuals both knowledge and skill wise. Because this was my first modelling class ever, I was happy with the response and attendance although I had a bit of a problem because all the attendants were females, therefore, it was a bit disappointing that no aspiring male models came through. But despite that I was truly happy about how the class unfolded.

3. Moreover tell us your future plans with the model master class and other future plans you have for the  fashion industry?

I'm really not one to share my future plans but I can promise that there's only one way and it is going up. All i can tell you is that i'm coming for everything, and yes i'll still be offering classes on a regular basis from here on.

4. Tell us about #Boysinskirts  what future plans do you have with this powerful movement?

 #BoysInSkirts has been on a pause for some time now, there's something that I'm working in that required to be set up only for a specific time, i'm only hoping that when it's ready to be revealed, people will be able to relate and understand the art behind it all.

5. Do you think the lack of collaborative efforts between people in the fashion industry is what is stifling its potential? Moreover what challenges can you identify that are preventing the fashion industry in Botswana to flourish?

Yes it really does, I'm one person who is very much into collaborating, it's one way that we can help each other grow as individual brands and the industry as a collective but because we all want to shine and be at the top, it becomes difficult for people to collaborate because people don't want to share the "spotlight" and its sad because its seemingly slowing down the industry.

6. Not to only focus on problems, what can you identify are  strong points that could change the state of Botswana’s Fashion industry? 

I think what we need is recognition of real fashion heads, people who can really take the fashion industry forth and not people who take fashion as any other hobby. If this can happen then we'll be on the right track to a great strong industry.

7. The Fashion industry in Botswana is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be, and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the fashion industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious.

 It's simple really, we need stake holders to invest in our designers, I believe we have brilliant designers in the country, for example, Artcappella, these designers are prominent and their work can compete on an international level. another thing is we need the right help from the ministry to fund fashion shows for designers to showcase their work, what we have now is not enough. another thing is that designers also need think beyond just making clothing for personal clients. They need to also go out there and propose their lines to retail shops so they can ahead in business.

8. Is there any last words you can give to people who will be reading this interview? (This is an open ended question that leaves you to make any opinion on the fashion industry or on you)

I urge creatives to live for their work, hype changes with time, from one person to the next, be your work and let your work be you. Aim to outdo yourself with every project because consistency is important, trust your creative mind and craziness like you've never done before, in this way your work will be nothing but great.

Contact:
geegeestraus@gmail.com
@geegee_straus  on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat

We hope you enjoyed this Get to know GeeGee  interview as much as we did. Comment below on who next would you like to know about!!!

Trademarking your Fashion Brands.

Hey Fashion Creatives.

Questions regarding how does one go about trademarking their brands in Botswana have been requested in our social media accounts.
Today we have got that simple answer.
If you have more questions feel free to ask them in the comment section.


What is a Trademark?

A Trade mark is your business name, brand logo, tagline or product name that one uses to differentiate their business from other businesses.  

For example, Nike is known for the tagline "Just do it"
another example is DeBeers tagline "A Diamond is Forever"  

Why does one trademark their business name, logo and etc?
Trademark is an indicator that your products/services are from a source.

It is a pratical way of protecting your business or brand. Once you have registered a trademark you become the exclusive owner of that mark.


How does one go about trademarking their brands, Business name etc. 

Trademarking, registration of businesses and companies are carried out  at Companies Intellectual Property Auhtority (CIPA) located at Office Park (the location as financial park)

The Application process consists of filling out a form accompanied by a letter to the Registrar requesting for the registration of a trademark.  the application fee is P120.00 for individuals and small companies.

For more information on trademarks please contact CIPA on +267 3673700/ 3853261 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVE'S: TCIB

 Hey Fashion Creative's and Fashion Lovers!

Today we share with you an opportunity to advance your creative skill through Textile and Clothing Institute of Botswana (TCIB).  Common question asked what are the opportunities for me to advance my creative skill as a fashion designer. Here it is!

"TCIB is a first of its kind vocational training centre in the country. TCIB is accredited by the BoBotswana Qualifications Authority( BQA) to provide courses developed by clothing industry professionals and aims to empower candidates with the knowledge and skills required for them thrive in the TExtile and Clothing sector."

For more of their work go on their website.


They have their Last session of 2017. Which contects include, but not limited to

• - Small business organization and management set up for SMMEs and sole proprietorship
• Introduction to common textile materials and fabrics
• Introduction to sewing equipment, tools (tape measure, tailor's chalk, rulers, seam ripper, cutting shears) in the Textile and Clothing Manufacturing environment, their functions and uses
• Demonstration of basic sewing and clothing machines (manual domestic sewing machine and semi professional) industrial straight , zig zag, overlocker, coverseam)
• Apply sewing skills to various fabric types and apply remedial service for common faults that are encountered
• Projects which include making garments such as shirts, shorts, skirts, tunics (School uniforms)
• We provide our students with a starter sewing kit, fabric and accessories. 
• 
  

The course fee is P4,950
Course Duration is

Four Weeks

Call them on 3924133  or visit them at Plot 14461, Kamushongo Road, Gaborone West Industrial.

FASHIONPRENEUR!... WHERE DO I START?

Hey Fashion Creative's and Fashion Lovers.  We are excited to let you know that we will on a weekly basis, be discussing with you  Creative Entrepreneurship.

Do you have a business idea and don't know where to start?
Before implementing your business idea you must have a plan. A plan helps you to:

• Establish your business goals;
• know the actual costs you will need to run the business and;
• Planning helps you keep track of your business 

To be a successful entrepreneur you have to PLAN YOUR BUSINESS.

We recommend you Download this Virgin Start Up  business plan format to help you build your business.

It definitely helped us!

CELEBRATING WOMEN FASHIONPRENEURS WITH.....NDAZIPA PONGAPONGA

    

Tell us about yourself? 

I am a lifestyle blogger and student  . I'm absolutely in love with travel , food ,writing and photography . I currently study CIMA(chartered institute of management accounting ).

2.   Tell us about your business?

Apart from running my blog 'The Art of reinvention' , My sister and I formed a makeup branch in Southern Africa of an international Dubai based cosmetics company called GlamGals . The opportunity was completely unexpected but proved to be incredibly fruitful . It was important to us to bring an international brand to Botswana first,  as we are very aware of the strained variety of makeup brands that we get 

3.   What does it mean to you to be a lifestyle and beauty entrepreneur and what are some of the challenges you face an an entrepreneur in the lifestyle blog and beauty industry .

   To me its first and foremost about engaging in something that brings you happiness. 

Bringing to the table a skill that you enjoy and radiating that  through the way you handle your business and showcase it to the world .

In terms of challenges , Opportunities are incredibly scarce in Botswana. The whole concept of blogging per say hasn't quite reached the level of recognition that would pay your bills. Companies are skeptical to explore the idea of working with bloggers but I'm glad a few are warming up to it. This is why when we started running  our makeup company it was important to me that we worked with up and coming influencers and gave them the fair chance we knew all too well was incredibly hard to find .

I'm terms of the beauty industry .The challenge we faced was bringing an entirely foreign makeup  brand that people knew nothing about. We knew getting people to turn aside from a popular brand their familiar with to one smaller in size was hard in the beginning , but the more people learnt  about it since we launched,the more people are giving the brand a shot .

4.   The lifestyle blog and beauty industry is is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture, moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the lifestyle blog  and beauty industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious 

As I brought out earlier,  I feel that companies and people still haven't embraced  the idea of blogging with open arms . People don't see the value, skill, time or dedication it takes . People tend to think its something that can be achieved by anyone. What they don't know is there is more to it than 2 sentences and a few great pictures.  It takes a lot to produce quality content that will actually move and 'influence' the way people think, dress or feel. 

Right now some of the biggest companies in the world are reaching out to social media influencers like bloggers or you tubers , reaping big results . They have acknowledged the indisputable power of social media influence and are using it to their fullest advantage. Change is scary but you'll never know until you try . Companies in Botswana And people  in general need to take influencers in Botswana more seriously before  there're undeniable talent and capabilities are  recognized in other countries and their whisked away by the abundance of opportunities no one would give them Here . All their potential and possible influence. Gone.

People need to start looking ahead to what and who will matter tomorrow. We live in a world that is becoming more digital by the second . What is going to matter tomorrow?. Who will call the shots . We have to think ahead and look at the bigger picture . 

5.    As a woman entrepreneur, what advice could you give to other young women who would like to start a business?

   Never forget why you started or want to start .  Don't do it just because it's the 'trendy' thing that everyone is getting into or simply sticking yourself with something you don't really enjoy, for the money. Life is too short for that. You need to go into it with a complete heart and mind. That's the only way you won't be deterred . Yes they will be disappointments and people won't always value  or appreciate what you're doing but you'll always have the satisfaction of knowing you tried. Of knowing you put everything you had and could possibly give. It's OK to fail . Failing doesn't make you a failure .

6.   What words do you live by to get you through to the next day? 

 "We  are as indestructible  as we choose to be for we are never irreparably broken "These words got to me the first time I ever Read them because of how much truth they carried.  These words were literally a life saver for me. They gave me A feeling of empowerment and enlightenment.  It is no secret that sometimes life unapologetically destroys who we are on the inside. Sometimes it takes everything we are and crushes it into little unrecognizable pieces that once made up who we were, what we stood for, our dreams, our aspirations.  We always have a choice. Even when situations seem like no brainers there is still always a choice. You can either stay on the ground or you can get back up and fight harder.why? Because you can. Because you choose the kind of stuff you’re made of. You call the shots. Are you going to be discouraged  by criticism, afraid of failure ? or are you going to take chances, ownership and realise that it will never be too late for you to become someone that you’re proud of. Stop blaming people for your lack of happiness, stop making excuses and do something about it. If you can change something,  change it. If you cannot then find it in yourself to accept it . You can point as many fingers as you want but at the end of the day the only person who will save you is yourself. You need to want it. You need to want to get better. 'The world is not a wish granting factory '  It  owes  you nothing .Acknowledge your weaknesses and get help because that does not mean you're any less of a person, it means you were strong enough to admit that you could not get by, by yourself. Sometimes you have to create your own happy ending. You can get through anything as long as you remember  to ask yourself . If I’m going to be indestructible , what am I made of?

CONTACT INFORMATION

Social media

Business (GLAMGALSBW (Facebook,twitter, Instagram and snapchat)

Personal/blog

Instagram (Ndazipa)

Facebook( the art of reinvention )

Ndazipapongaponga@gmail.com 

CELEBRATING WOMEN FASHIONPRENEURS WITH.....PHENYO OAITSE

1.     Tell us about yourself? 

Phenyo Oaitse.  21 years old Fashion Designer, Stylists, Social Media Influencer, Public Figure, catalog model, Fashion Writer at Echo Newspaper, Dancer at Mophato Dance Theatre and Business Management final year student at Botswana Accountancy College. 

2.   Tell us about your business?

Founded in 2015, March Couture is an androgynous fashion label all about boldness, elegance and sophistication. We produce casual couture and ready-to-wear clothing for our stylish customers. 

3.   What does it mean to be a fashion entrepreneur and what are some of the challenges you face being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?

    Being an entrepreneur means working hand-in-hand with other people to build successful fashion businesses, having great managerial skills and be able to inspire one another. the challenges I have faced so far would have to be working with assistants. It is the same challenge i am still facing because working with people who do not have a clear vision of what you want for your company is difficult. as well as looking for people to work with whom can understand your vision is even more challenging. but with patience and determination, I won't let that small hindrance keep me from achieving my goals.

4.   The Fashion industry in Botswana is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be, and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the fashion industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious.

    I would say is that not all of us can see how eccentric and valuable our talents in fashion are. some artists tend to do this just for popularity and minimum recognition. And that is why the government does not take the art seriously such as in sports and traditional dance. if we valued our art so much and we were determined to take it internationally for business. then we would definitely be taken seriously.

5.    As a woman entrepreneur, what advice could you give to other young women who would like to start a business?

    What I would advice is that as much as you are a talented designer, first you MUST be a CEO of your business. you can be a designer fr other companies and not be worried about the managerial part of it. Other than that, be more of a CEO than a designer, because that is the most important thing if you want to be taken seriously as a business woman/man. it should be beyond the designing part basically. but more of the business part. then you'll see the Botswana fashion industry will bloom! Lastly, as women we should no be undermined and condone being underrated because of our gender. We are talented and gifted, we have no limit. and women empowerment and support withing ourselves is important. one quote i love says "Empowered Women empower women." and I am FOR supporting my ladies! and that is definitely what March Couture is about.

6.   What words do you live by to get you through to the next day? 

Those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind." When you Grow up, not everyone you meet will have friendly faces and wish you well nor support your work. So I have learned to simply ignore these unnecessary people and only focus on those that bring good energy to my life, love, and support as well. Because really, that is all a person needs to live a happy life!

Picture by Nde Uyapo

CONTACT INFORMATION

Instagram @msphenyo @march.couture 

Twitter @MsPhenyo 

Facebook Phenyo Oaitse 

 phenyooaitse@gmail.com

CELEBRATING WOMEN FASHIONPRENEURS WITH.....AONE DITIRWA

1.     Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Aone Gogontle Ditirwa! I come from Bobonong, born into a loving family of 6. I'm a third year medical student with a passion in the ethical aspect of the field,I'm also a personal style blogger, a fashion columnist, a freelance makeup artist and a self taught shoe designer!

2.   Tell us about your business?

My brand R'alocha Luxury Shoes is newly founded and thrives on the co-existence of style and comfort. I design high end and authentic heels for women and my current collection that is due to be released in June is a range of block heels featuring various prints and textures. The shoes will be available for purchase country wide and world wide by means of a shopping website for international buyers and at The Boutique Concept Store for local buyers.

3.   What does it mean to be a fashion entrepreneur and what are some of the challenges you face being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?

     Fashion Entrepreneurship is basically the idea of being appreciated and supported, financially or otherwise for your craft and creativity. I've found that the greatest challenge for any creative is getting people to believe in the tangibility of their dream especially when the brand is in its infancy! It takes a long time for people to trust your brand as a new fashionpreneur and unfortunately it may take up to years to finally be able to prove oneself to the market in question.

4.   The Fashion industry in Botswana is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be, and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the fashion industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious.

    I've come to realize that Botswana is finally at a place where she's willing to allow and make room for a flourishing fashion industry. There are quite a number of advanced local fashion bloggers with good web traffic and incredible content, fashion designers are striving to make their mark across boarders, we finally understand the purpose of stylists, we'v really come a long way from when fashion was just a hobby. Yes there's room for improvement but perhaps the harder we push and the more we find innovative ways of practically benefiting our nation through our creativity, then we might reach desired heights. They say although a singer sings with her own voice it's for the people's ears. In a similar sense creatives need to consider the needs and expectations of the market. 

5.    As a woman entrepreneur, what advice could you give to other young women who would like to start a business?

     My advice to women looking to venture into business is to start NOW. There really is no better time. Women are natural planners, we take time planning but sometimes planning for too long turns into procrastination. And in the midst of procrastinating we create excuses, either you're too young, too broke or just too afraid.The key is passion. It's okay to start small, it's okay to try and fail as long as you try again, It's okay to make a loss on your first venture but the greatest tragedy is never having trusted your own creativity and waiting too long till you no longer have the confidence to get started.

6.   What words do you live by to get you through to the next day? 

My mantra is consistent and simple; "Pray hard, Work Hard, Wait your turn". Prayer first because God is always at the forefront of all my endeavors, hard work because nothing that is worthwhile will come easy and lastly timing, sometimes things don't go our way simply because it's not yet our time.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Personal pages:

Insta- @aonethefashionpoet

Facebook- Aone Ditirwa

Email- aone.ditirwa3@gmail.com

www.aonethefashionpoet.com

Business:

Insta- @r_alocha

Facebook page- R'alocha Luxury Shoes

CELEBRATING WOMEN FASHIONPRENEURS WITH..... ABIGAIL ASHLEY

1.     Tell us about yourself?

I am 21 year old young woman from Mochudi and I’m the eldest of 4, well now 7. We just welcomed 3 more beautiful girls into our family as my mother recently got married. I studied computer Information system at the University of Botswana and after the 1st semester of my third year after a modelling trip to china, I took the bold decision to quit. Now doing modelling full time and having my new brand of wigs you could say I’m busier than ever.

2.   Tell us about your business ?

Established 2017, Unicorn Fluff Enterprises is an all in one ball of out of the box and unorthodox range of services provided, for now, in Botswana. At the moment focusing on providing quality handmade wigs in a range of the most bold, get your noticed, big and vibrant colours and starting up a new makeup Vlogging  channel on Youtube whilst providing makeup services for events. And of course me as a brand in the modelling industry that I have managed to build since 2013.

3.   What does it mean to be a fashion entrepreneur and what are some of the challenges you face being an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?

To me it means self expression in the things that I enjoy the most like fashion and makeup and being able to share these interests with people from all over the world and to make a living out of it is but the cherry on top. It is about addressing the need for youth to express themselves in a way that is out of the box yet it being convenient to their lifestyles, for example a fashion creative has an even to attend. No time for a sew in and hair looking all crazy, I want them to think unicorn fluff wigs. I could just pop this wig on quickly and even better, I have a range of colours to choose from to suit my brand.

 Some of the challenges faced are of closed minded people who are unwilling to see this certain form of self expression. They want to live in old values of how a person should look or what colours of hair, makeup or clothing they feel are “appropriate”. And those that are open to the idea are afraid of judgment to society that chooses mediocrity over a banging wig, lol.

4.   The Fashion industry in Botswana is still seen as a hobby in Botswana and not a business venture moreover not a sector that could contribute to the economy of Botswana, what reason could this be, and secondly how can we move from this outlook to the fashion industry in Botswana being taken commercially serious.

      Honestly it is all about the attitude Batswana have towards local entrepreneurs that are different from what we are used to. They feel some things are not meant for us and are strictly for New York or Milan. Lord knows how many times I’ve popped my pink wig on, posted a picture online and have people ask me if I'm in Botswana or if I am even from here. We lack local support and for  a business to grow it needs first to be accepted locally before it can move internationally. Which brings me back to the attitude, Batswana need to change their attitude towards local brands and support them so they can eventually grow to international standards thus improving the economy. 

      And as for us being taken seriously, we need to first take ourselves serious and believe in our craft, then everyone else will follow from example

5.    As a woman entrepreneur, what advice could you give to other young women who would like to start a business?

I would like to say start young, start immediately the idea pops in your mind and ignore any negative factors that you think may stop you. Don’t think you are too young or too this, or not enough of that. BE BRAVE AND FEARLESS. If you are passionate about your craft and you work hard at it, it will definitely pay off.

6.   What words do you live by to get you through to the next day? 

“I am as old as the things I’ve experienced and as young as the thing I’m yet to experience.” Which to me means all I have in this world is time to achieve my dreams and accomplish all that I have set out for, Time or age is not a negative factor.

Contact information

Facebook:  Abigial Ashley

Instagram: Abigial Ashley @a_ash.ley

Unicorn fluff enterprises

@unicornfluff_shop

Email:  unicorn.fluffenterprises@gmail.com