Takalani's 'Choose Beauty Project' boosts young fashion designers

As a little girl, Takalani Mathivha watched her mother create beautiful garments for customers. She realised early on in life that this was what she wanted to do as well. Today, at the age of 47, she runs her own company and is involved in a project that encourages and trains young people to follow their passion for fashion.

After finishing school, Mathivha enrolled for a diploma in clothing production at Vhembe TVET College. She then started working, gaining valuable experience as her business grew. In 2016, she co-founded the Choose Beauty Cooperative with eight other enthusiasts, but over time, some members left, and Takalani decided to continue running it on her own.

Takalani, who hails from Makwarela Township, described her journey as busy and exciting. “I’ve had the chance to work on large orders, which has helped me improve and grow,” she said. She also dedicates much of her time to training students, mostly from Vhembe TVET College.

Some of the students Takalani has trained, such as Roli Netshifhefhe, Thabelo Rasalanavho, and Pertunia Mukhithi, have gone on to open their own boutiques. “That makes me proud because it shows I’m helping new talent in the fashion industry,” she said.

Takalani makes clothes for hospitals, school uniforms, and traditional outfits. “This allows me to combine my love for fashion with giving back to the community. I’ve also been supported by the Vhembe Incubator, especially Principal Basani Hlekani, whose guidance inspires me,” she said.

While Takalani's family supports her emotionally and physically, she is the primary breadwinner. “I stay focused and dedicated to my work, and I always make sure to deliver quality products,” she said. She was inspired by designer Ann Lowe, whose success on TV motivated her to start Choose Beauty and pursue her passion for sewing.

In the next five years, Takalani hopes the Choose Beauty Project will grow into a major supplier of hospital scrubs and dresses across the country. “I want the business to become a well-known name in the fashion industry, providing high-quality products to meet people’s needs,” she said.

Date:13 October 2024

By: Maanda Bele

Maanda  Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology. He is passionate about current news and international affairs. He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017. He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.

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