2 minute read
J'Adore D'Amour
Have a courage to start, and the rest will follow.
- Mathapelo Bridget Pitse
Meet Mathapelo Bridget Pitse, born in the East Rand, Boksburg, raised in Johannesburg and currently resides in Midrand. Mathapelo had to work right after high school , but because of her entrepreneurial drive and passion she managed (and still) enrolled herself to short courses through different educational institutions.
In a conversation we had on what and why this brand name, she replied by telling us that, “J’ADORE D’AMOUR means I LOVE LOVE and it’s centred around the love I have for everything dear to my heart. The brand is a luxury woman’s footwear brand for sophisticated women that have a passion for fashion and who consistently steps in style”.
When did you start with J’Adore D’Amour and what inspired you to go for it? “True story - my inspiration comes from being a shoe hoarder! I once owned over 300 pairs of shoes. I then had an aha moment and thought of combining both my entrepreneurial passion and love for shoes into a business, that’s how J’ADORE D’AMOUR was born”.
What challenges you faced when starting J’Adore D’Amour and how did you overcome those? “One of the many challenges I faced in the past was the manufacturing process. Oh my goodness, it was quite a rocky journey but I’ve learnt a lot from the technical phase to approving prototypes, the list is endless! I must say entrepreneurship is a journey that I’ve learnt to embrace at all times. Whatever challenge we face, I’m certain we’ll thrive and hope for the best".
Since the inception of your shoe business – what has been the highlight of this journey, something that made you say YES they know and love my work? “I must say the unboxing experiences I receive from my clients makes my heart melt. It proves that all the hard work we put in as a team goes unnoticed. From the design process, production, packaging, and long hours put to turn this dream to reality is mind boggling- I’m really proud of my brand”.
Please share if your shoe is available in any retail store? If yes, please share name…and for people not in Gauteng how can they buy the shoe and the price ranges? “Our shoes are available at the AFI concept storeHouse Of Nala situated at The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton. We’re also at Africa Rise which is owned by local designer Thula Sindi. Alternatively, you can purchase our shoes on our official website www.jadoredamour.com Were also available on Zando and Takealot”.
Lastly, there’s young girl out there who would like to follow on your footsteps –what can you advise them? “You have to motivate yourself at all times. Don’t give up on your dreams and always remain positive and optimistic about life”.
