By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – In a modest family home in Maseru, filled with vibrant fabrics and the comforting hum of a sewing machine, Makuena Thamae (now Marenang Rasetoromo) discovered her love for fashion.
Surrounded by creativity, she was immersed in design and craftsmanship from a young age, inspired by her mother, a skilled dressmaker. Today, Marenang’s childhood passion has blossomed into Priscy R Fashion and Fabrics, a thriving brand that brings Basotho-inspired designs to life in the heart of Maseru.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, Marenang reflects on how her mother’s small dressmaking business served as her earliest classroom, where she pieced together scraps of fabric and assisted with little tasks. These experiences laid the groundwork for her career. Today, her brand, Priscy R Fashion, named in honor of her daughter Priscilla Rasetoromo, has become a respected name in Lesotho’s fashion scene.
After completing her COSC exams in 2013, Marenang took a gap year. Encouraged by her eldest brother and his wife, she learned dressmaking under her mother’s guidance at Thamae Dressmaking School, which her mother founded. This pivotal time sparked Marenang’s passion for creating garments from scratch, leading her to experience the joy and satisfaction of bringing ideas to life through fabric and thread.
Marenang’s path was not without its challenges. In 2015, she enrolled at the Lesotho College of Education (LCE), planning to become a teacher, a profession she greatly respected. However, after just a week, she realized her heart lay elsewhere. A heartfelt conversation with her brother clarified her direction. He reminded her of the importance of fulfilling essential human needs like clothing and suggested she could build a lasting career in fashion. This advice encouraged her to follow her dreams, leaving teaching behind.
To refine her skills, Marenang enrolled at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) in Maseru in August 2015, where she pursued an Honours Degree in Fashion and Retailing. At LUCT, she honed her craft through a strong foundation in fashion design and retail management.
Her unique style, which blends Basotho cultural elements with contemporary trends, developed there. Her dedication earned her a spot at the 2019 SOURCE AFRICA Fashion Show in South Africa (SA), Cape Town. It is a prestigious event showcasing leading designers across Africa. Sponsored by the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), this opportunity connected her with designers from diverse backgrounds and exposed her to an international audience.
After graduating in 2019, Marenang brought her vision to life with Priscy R Fashion and Fabrics, located in the Tradorette Building in Maseru. The establishment quickly became known for its custom-made garments and high-quality fabrics. The business has since grown to include a team of four employees, who help bring clients’ fashion visions to reality.
With a strong focus on cultural authenticity, Priscy R Fashion represents Marenang’s journey from a small family business to a thriving enterprise. She is dedicated to preserving Basotho culture through her designs, ensuring each garment tells a story. Her fabrics are chosen with quality and authenticity in mind, embodying the vibrant Basotho spirit that her clients adore.
Looking ahead, Marenang envisions Priscy R Fashion expanding beyond Maseru, establishing itself as a cornerstone in Lesotho’s fashion industry. She aspires to build a supportive community for local fashion entrepreneurs and hopes to give back through apprenticeships and training programs for young designers. Her goal is to equip the next generation of designers with the technical skills and resilience necessary to thrive in the fashion industry.
Marenang has also leveraged opportunities provided by programs such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) which is facilitated by the US Embassy, she noted that AWE has helped her manage her business professionally, including drafting employee contracts and developing a strategic plan that guides her business goals. AWE has also opened up networking opportunities, Marenang and her team are set to attend one of Africa’s biggest conferences in Cape Town in November.
In a country where youth unemployment remains a critical issue, Marenang is keen for Priscy R Fashion to be a source of job creation and inspiration. Her story illustrates the potential of transforming a family tradition into a sustainable business that serves the community and preserves cultural heritage. Her journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and the impact of family support.
With each stitch, Marenang honors her mother’s legacy while infusing her designs with contemporary flair. Through Priscy R Fashion, she continues to celebrate Basotho culture, creating garments that blend tradition with modernity. Marenang is committed to fostering an environment where passion for fashion can thrive. From her mother’s sewing room to her own bustling studio in Maseru, her story exemplifies how family traditions can inspire businesses that uplift individuals and communities alike.
Marenang’s commitment to excellence has made Priscy R the go-to destination for clients seeking unique designs, exquisite fabrics, and, soon, makeup services – which she plans to offer to provide a complete fashion experience.
Marenang is grateful for the strong support system that helped her build Priscy R, particularly her husband, who supported her education and her entrepreneurial journey. She also credits her brothers and their wives, whose unwavering guidance and support have been instrumental, her clients, and God almighty whom she regards as the “heartbeat” of her business, constantly inspiring her to innovate and expand.