Johannesburg - Hip and young Makhosazana Khumalo never thought a chill session in her home with her dad and brother could have brought about an actual brand Tsotsi which is still operating seven years down the line.
After intensive planning and research, 27-year-old Khumalo and her co-founders registered their company and never looked back.
Fin24.com's My Business chats to small business co-owner Khumalo about her business.
What is Tsotsi clothing and how did it come about?
Tsotsi is a South African word often used to describe a menace or thug. The word tsotsi defines a certain kind of character with certain kinds of traits.
In reading about its origin, we found it was a very appealing South African phrase which would raise a lot of "why tsotsi?" questions, and it did. A tsotsi, we learnt from one of the legendary township "timers", Don Mattera, is a character who loves to look and feel good. We decided to design and make gentlemen's clothing.
Tsotsi clothing is a label under the Tsotsi brand. We make T-shirts of different styles, leather goods and accessories such as belts and wallets. We are currently venturing into denim clothing which will go with the various T-shirts. We will soon be introducing footwear under the label Tsotsi footwear. Tsotsi also plans on specialising in custom-made suits which we have tested in the past.
As the only woman in the Tsotsi brand team, I had to establish a label, Ghetto Princess, under the Tsotsi brand which would accommodate women. I created the labels and designs and recruited Terry Pheto to come on board and promote the Ghetto Princess character. We have since been working together in the Tsotsi team creating a place for women under the brand.
We registered the Tsotsi brand in 2002.
Who are your business partners?
The chairperson and mentor is my father, Dr Bongani Khumalo. The co-directors are my brother, Mzilikazi Khumalo, and friend, Lungelo Mhlom.
How many people do you employ?
The Tsotsi management team consists of a chairperson, three directors and two senior managers and we use a different company to manufacture Tsotsi clothing. That company employs about 20 factory workers.
What has been the biggest challenge getting your business off the ground?
Firstly, the money you need to make more money is never just available. So, trying to hustle while under pressure to make ideas come to life isn't really easy. At the time we started, we all worked full-time for different companies and availability to do Tsotsi work was always tricky. This always contributed to processes taking much longer. We learnt from then that a business needs time, nurturing, passion and patience.
Any business achievements you are particularly proud of?
Many! It boils down to achieving all those things which allow us to dream bigger and do better. Moving beautifully with time is an achievement.
How has business been for you and what has contributed to this?
Business has picked up very gradually over the years. The road is never smooth in any business but it picks up as we learn to have better control over selling a good brand, creating an impression and meeting enthusiastic followers' demands.
Are there any skills you wish you had developed before going into business?
Skills develop when you realise that you need them and in putting those skills into practice, you perfect them so prepare yourself to constantly learn new skills as you work. You can never be fully prepared. Read! Knowledge in the field you are interested in will get you far.
Do you have advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Plan, have faith, have patience, have a vision and take your time in making it clearer to yourself. Research as much as you need to.
Has the introduction of import quotas affected your business in any way?
We had been debating among ourselves whether or not to produce locally. We decided to produce locally as opposed to outside SA. This would end up contributing to business and a better economy. Most of our goods are made locally and the introduction of the import quotas has not affected us.
We at Tsotsi stand for a cause which we hold dear to our hearts, and that is improving the SA clothing industry. Through the manufacturing company we use, we empower and employ individuals. We plan to contribute in the resurrection of the South African clothing industry and we do not compromise on the quality of our materials.
What inspires you to get up in the morning?
The possibilities and hope that come with every new dawn are reason enough to get up and just live! I get up to play with my son. I love brand new days because they come with brand new vibes.
Any business person you admire and why?
I admire a lot of people for their different qualities. I admire my parents, Dr Bongani Khumalo and Nelisa Khumalo, both as individuals and as a unit. They have admirable determination to add value and excellence to all they do and are ruled by love, truth and passion.
The business environment nowadays is extremely tough for small businesses whicho don't have deep pockets. Do you have any suggestions on where SMEs could focus their attention to see them through the tough times?
They should use their good businesses to strike sponsorship deals. That way different businesses work together in promotion. It is enriching and everyone wins. They could also cut down unnecessary costs.
Give us some idea of your business now where you look to take it?
Seven years later the Tsotsi brand has achieved recognition and popularity. It has an actual following. In production of promotional gear we have been known to be in operation for a few years. It has taken extra time and work to introduce a polished definition of the other kinds of services Tsotsi has to offer.
We plan to take Tsotsi to the level and have more than a clothing brand. We want to eventually build an organisation and empire which can be compared to international brands such as Shaun John or FUBU.
In the near future, plans include an outlet and the introduction of other branches of Tsotsi brands such as music, and movie production under the Tsotsi brand.
- Fin24.com