2 minute read
The one: ‘T Flames
We continue our seris - The One
My name is Thabiso Mohlala (T Flames). I am 26 year old and the owner and founder of Boi Boi Apparel.
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My little brother and I lost our mother when we were very young and we were raised by our aunts and uncles. Growing up without our mother was very tough on me but I think it has made me a stronger person.
I have always had the passion for drawing, music and dancing and from young I decided to find information about where I could get a school that would offer me the best education when it came to the arts.
Fortune smiled at me. After I completed matric I went on to study textile and fine arts at the TUT arts campus in Pretoria. This has equipped me with the skills that I have today, not just art but also the business aspect of it all.
I established Boi Boi Apparel during my 1st year in varsity simply because I used to make clothing myself. That has always created a lot of demand amongst my peers and now it also helped me with extra cash. My current offerings are print, textile and interior design services and I also have a non-profit organization that focuses on providing skills and training to kids in the townships.
Since I started the business I have worked with so many artists who are using my brand such as Ayanda Dawetu (cumani from scandal), Driemandskaap, DJ Juicy and Lezy De Yong just to name a few.
We are local but the plan is to take the brand globally and to open up shops making us more accessible.
Reaching our audience is via social media, online store and brand Ambassadors.
A piece of advice that I have for young people who also wish to start their own business is to be passionate about it and also be patient. Starting a business and running it is very demanding. It is 24/7 and no leisure time. But it is so fulfilling to be your own boss. Therefore: go to school and get equipped with the necessary skills to be an entrepreneur if that is your dream.
My Moto is “small things matter the most”. If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything
@BoiBoi Apparel on social media/ Boi Boi wear - www.BoiBoiapparel. com - Thabiso Flames on Facebook
