By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Meet Ms. Lindiwe Lenko, the visionary founder and owner of KL Apparel, a thriving fashion design company that has steadily made its mark in the world of denim fashion. Established in 2019 and officially registered in 2022, KL Apparel specializes in crafting bespoke denim garments and jackets, along with a range of custom designs tailored to meet the unique needs of clients.
Despite the challenges she faced along the way, Ms. Lenko’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of strategic partnerships in turning a passion into a flourishing business.
The story of KL Apparel began when Ms. Lindiwe Lenko, with a deep passion for fashion design, saw an opportunity to combine her love for creativity with the growing demand for custom, high-quality garments. Initially, Ms. Lenko faced the common yet formidable challenge that many new entrepreneurs encounter lack of clientele. Starting out with a modest vision, she worked tirelessly on her designs, but the road to recognition was not easy. Without a steady stream of customers, sustaining her business seemed like an uphill battle.
However, Ms. Lenko did not let these early setbacks deter her. Instead, she decided to take proactive steps to grow her brand and expand her market reach. She became a member of the Finite Lifestyle Club, a community that would later play a pivotal role in KL Apparel’s rise. This move not only gave her access to valuable marketing tools but also connected her with a network of potential clients and fellow entrepreneurs.
One of the most significant hurdles Ms. Lenko faced in the early days of her business was sourcing the necessary materials to bring her designs to life. “It was very hard at first,” she reflects. Acquiring quality fabric, denim, and the essential threads to construct her garments posed a major challenge. As a new business owner with limited resources, she found it difficult to establish reliable supplier relationships and afford the raw materials needed to create her designs.
But resilience paid off. Through research and networking, Ms. Lenko managed to establish supplier connections that enabled her to source quality materials at affordable prices. These efforts allowed KL Apparel to continue expanding its production capabilities and meet the growing demands of customers.
While the challenges seemed insurmountable at times, Ms. Lenko’s business took a significant turn for the better after joining CAFI (The Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion), an organization dedicated to providing support to small businesses through financial assistance, business mentoring, and networking opportunities.
“Joining CAFI helped me a lot in terms of marketing and funding,” Ms. Lenko says. Through CAFI’s resources, she was able to access much-needed capital to invest in expanding her business operations. In addition, CAFI provided a platform for promoting her brand to a larger audience, helping KL Apparel grow its customer base and improve its visibility in the competitive fashion industry.
The financial assistance also enabled Ms. Lenko to upgrade her equipment and purchase additional machinery, which significantly improved the quality and efficiency of her production. As a result, KL Apparel expanded its operations, growing from just 2 employees to a team of 9 skilled professionals. The increased workforce and resources allowed the business to take on larger orders and meet client demands in a timely manner.
When KL Apparel first started, Ms. Lenko operated out of a humble garage. It was a space filled with raw ambition, but the lack of space and equipment limited her ability to scale operations. Over time, however, the combination of strategic investments and business growth allowed her to move from the garage to a dedicated office space in Lithabaneng.
The new office provided her with room to operate more efficiently and store raw materials and finished garments. With the addition of more sewing machines and equipment, KL Apparel is now better equipped to handle larger volumes of production while maintaining the quality craftsmanship for which the brand has become known.
As KL Apparel continues to grow and evolve, Ms. Lenko is setting her sights on expanding even further. She has already established a strong foundation, but her future plans include scaling up her operations to reach new markets and even introducing new product lines. “We are looking for investors who can help us expand our operations, increase our production capacity, and reach a broader audience,” Ms. Lenko shares.
In addition to expanding locally, Ms. Lenko has dreams of taking KL Apparel to an international level, competing with established fashion brands in the global denim market. She is particularly focused on sustainability and incorporating eco-friendly materials into her designs, ensuring that KL Apparel remains a brand that values both quality and environmental consciousness.
Ms. Lenko’s journey from humble beginnings to success has not only transformed her life but also contributed to the local economy. With 9 employees under her wing, KL Apparel has provided job opportunities and skills development in the community. The company’s growth also reflects the growing demand for locally made, high-quality garments, further promoting the importance of supporting small businesses and homegrown talent.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, KL Apparel is helping shape the fashion industry in the region, and Ms. Lenko’s unwavering determination continues to inspire others who are looking to start their own businesses.
KL Apparel’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s the result of hard work, determination, and knowing when to seek out resources and support. Ms. Lindiwe Lenko’s journey from struggling entrepreneur to successful business owner demonstrates that with the right partnerships, mindset, and adaptability, it’s possible to turn challenges into stepping stones toward growth.
As KL Apparel continues to expand, its focus on innovation, quality craftsmanship, and sustainability will ensure its place as a leader in the fashion industry. Ms. Lenko’s dedication to her craft, combined with the strategic steps she has taken to build and scale her business, positions KL Apparel for an exciting future.