Beverly Kaposiao talks building Namibian fashion through training

When it comes to seasoned Namibian fashion designers, Beverly Kaposiao is one who has earned her stripes through her dedicated work in the clothing manufacturing sector. After catching the fashion bug as a child, Beverly’s passion for clothes followed her right into her teenage years. Today she runs Charity Fashions, a fashion brand specializing in garment and textile manufacturing. Beverly is a big advocate for training and development in the clothing sector and trains young designers and clothing manufacturers. By equipping them with the necessary skills she empowers them to flourish in their careers.

She talked to me about her journey to becoming a professional fashion designer with accomplishments ranging from a third runner-up position at the 2003 JCC awards as well as the 2019 GOWA Outstanding Woman in Africa award which she received in Ghana.

When and why did you choose fashion as a career?

Back in high school. I think it was around grade 9 or 10 when I started recycling jeans into fashionable skirts for myself and friends. My passion for the trade grew and I decided to pursue it after high school.

Who were your first fashion influences?

I would say the owner of Green Sleeves Vintage Clothing in Stellenboch introduced me to vintage clothing. My creativity has always centred around retro clothing and recycling unusual fabric.

What is the favourite part of your work?

Research. It answers all the important questions – the why, how and when. So for me the history of fashion was and is always enjoyable.

You train and mentor young people in the clothing sector, what do you focus on?

I focus mostly on productivity which means input needs to equal output. So, basically, what you put in is exactly what you get out, and if you put in a little more you will most definitely get out a little extra, too.

How do you envision the Namibian garment manufacturing sector to look like in a few years from now?

It is still at its infant stage now and will continue to remain there unless we accelerate skills development as well as close the gap between institutions and industries in garment manufacturing.

Not enough has been done to encourage and inspire young people. At vocational education level it is rather considered as a second choice if a learner did not obtain enough points to go to university. This mindset must change! Vocational graduates are the very people who have the highest potential to become entrepreneurs as they have the ability to manufacture a physical and tangible product, a product that is visible, marketable and saleable. In this order it can create employment, and also generate an income for the individual and in return sustain the economy.

Not enough has been done to encourage and inspire young people.

What about your career, where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

I have done 15 years and have another 15 years to go!

I will complete my Masters in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation with the WITS Business School. I wish to then advocate vocational education and training which I believe is the only way forward to build and grow the manufacturing sectors.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Concept Engineer, PR Consultant, and fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni.