By: ‘Moelo Motsiri
MASERU
‘Makatleho Khabisi is a hardworking woman who made a move of stepping into the business industry as a tailor as to fight the challenge of unemployment and earn a living. She started her business, Katleho Design back in 2011.
‘Makatleho shared that her love for sewing began in childhood, when she would create outfits for her dolls. This lifelong passion inspired her to launch her own tailoring business, Katleho Designs.
Katleho Designs is a sewing hub sewing the women clothes for different occassions, using any kind of fabric. Those clothes include dresses, jam suits, tops, shirts, as to mention few.
The successful tailor shared that her journey began at a salon, where she found inspiration from those around her to pursue her talent in fashion. “It was during that time I realised that what I have inside me is more than just passion it’s a means to survive,” she said.
Inspired by the people around her, ‘Makatleho recognised an opportunity to establish Katleho Designs. “There was a lady at church who always dressed beautifully, and a gentleman near the salon where I worked who was exceptionally stylish. They inspired me deeply, reminding me of my talent for tailoring. It made me realise that my skills could be more than just a passion they could be a way to survive,” she shared
In an interview with the Informative Newspaper, ‘Makatleho noted that she designs every kind of clothes except the office wear. She said that her business really goes well. “Since I sew clothes for everyone for every standard, my business really goes well, and that makes so happy because its success is my survival,” she stated.
The tailor explained that she advertises on different social media platforms to advertise, using Katleho Design on Facebook and ‘Makatleho Khabisi on Instagram. “These platforms really help me for my business recognition,” she said. She also mentioned that she gets customers through her customer’s references.
‘Makatleho shared that her tailoring business has been her main source of survival, fulfilling the very purpose she started it for. She expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I have achieved just like any working person. I am able to support my family, send my children to school, and live the life I have always wished for. God is indeed good.”
However, she acknowledged that every business has its ups and downs. “This kind of business varies with the seasons it is slower in winter but picks up again in summer,” she explained.
She highlighted several challenges she has faced on her journey. One of the toughest is dealing with disagreements with customers, whether it’s her mistake or theirs. Some dissatisfied clients choose not to return without voicing their concerns, which negatively impacts her business.
Another challenge, she noted, is boosting the self-esteem of some customers who might feel that her tailored designs do not suit them. ‘Makatleho emphasised that she often goes the extra mile to help such clients feel more confident.
Additionally, she discussed the economic struggles, particularly how job losses affect her client base. “’The declining economy plays a big role in my challenges. When people lose jobs, I lose clients too,” she said.
Despite these hurdles, ‘Makatleho has remained resilient and optimistic, continuing to pursue her passion for tailoring. Even during the hardships of COVID-19, she retained her customers through excellent customer care, innovative designs, timely delivery, and follow-ups to ensure client satisfaction, fostering loyalty in the process.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, she offered valuable advice: “Start a business in something you truly love. If you love what you do, you all work hard, be patient, and give it your all to make it succeed.”
She also urged them to avoid misusing business funds and to open dedicated business accounts to ensure that money is spent solely on business-related expenses.