By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MAFETENG
Neé ‘Mankopane Letlala, ‘Masamuel Khoanyane, an award-winning dressmaker, has built a thriving business through her exceptional craftsmanship and keen eye for design.
From humble beginnings to becoming a recognised name in the fashion industry, her journey is a testament to dedication, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Her ability to blend creativity with business acumen has set her apart, earning her a loyal client base and industry recognition.
Khoanyane honed her craft through formal studies at St Elizabeth Training Institute before furthering her studies in Fashion and Apparel Design at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. With a combination of academic expertise and hands-on experience, she has successfully built a business that continues to grow and evolve.
Based in Mafeteng, Khoanyane has gained recognition for her outstanding craftsmanship and innovative designs, which have made her a sought-after designer.
Her journey into the tailoring industry began while she was a student at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. She enrolled at the university as a married woman with a child, determined to pursue her passion despite the challenges of balancing family life with education.
It was during her studies that she took a bold step towards entrepreneurship. Using her bursary money, she and her peers engaged in crowdfunding, pooling resources to launch her business.
She initially collaborated with individuals who owned a beauty parlour, and when they vacated the premises, they left the space to her. This marked the beginning of her independent venture, allowing her to establish a dedicated workspace for her growing clientele.
Understanding the power of digital marketing, Khoanyane leveraged social media to attract customers. Many discovered her work on Facebook, where her unique designs quickly gained attention.
As word spread, she began receiving orders from across the country and even beyond its borders, expanding her reach far beyond what she had initially imagined.
Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to harness the potential of social media, as digital platforms provide access to a vast pool of potential clients.
She believes that consistency and visibility are crucial in today’s competitive business landscape.
The Finite Women Appreciation Award winner approaches her work with discipline and dedication, treating it with the same commitment as formal employment. She starts her day as early as 5 a.m., preparing tasks for her employees to ensure a seamless workflow. By the time her staff arrives, there is already work lined up for them, demonstrating her strong leadership and work ethic.
To her, respecting one’s craft is fundamental to achieving success.
Today, Khoanyane employs six people, providing not only for herself but also creating opportunities for others in her community. She takes pride in the impact her business has on the lives of those she works with.
“Success in business is determined by how many lives one changes,” she said.
She also emphasises that selling is about consistency rather than merely offering products at a lower price. She believes that passion and dedication are what truly drive a business forward.
“You have to love what you are doing. People are watching you,” she said.
Her journey is a remarkable example of perseverance, innovation, and the power of turning passion into a thriving enterprise.