Kerry-anne Allerston
Image: Supplied
EVERY time you hear a success story. A story where somebody had a dream. A big dream. And the dream came true. You think to yourself… self, where am I going wrong? Where is the dream factory and where do I submit mine? Well, I think it’s a recipe with many ingredients, this whole success thing. I think it needs equal parts bravery, belief, confidence, talent, hard work, passion, support and that little bit of crazy. Remember The A-Team? Yip, it’s so crazy it might just work. You’ve gotta take the plunge and just go for it. You may fail but you might just fly.
Tshepo Mohlala, the founder and creative director of Tshepo Jeans. Mohlala abandoned his film studies at AFDA and headed to the University of Johannesburg to study fashion. . Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
That’s exactly what an inspirational South African did. He abandoned his film studies at AFDA and headed to the University of Johannesburg to study fashion. This youngster worked hard and he had a certain tenacity about him and a whole lotta talent. Inspired by family, community and Jozi city he channeled his creative juices and decided his medium in the art he was creating would be denim. Takalani, always adorned in denim, was this entrepreneur's aunt.
She wore denim so well and he began to understand that jeans become a part of you as you wear them telling your story as it soaks into that thick cotton fabric. This trailblazer and fashion designer also speaks to luxury as something that was once divisive but now, through his story and his garments, he hopes to foster special connections bringing the people of South Africa together through a shared appreciation of heritage and culture. I’m talking about a brand that hopes to represent South Africa on a world stage.
A brand that strives for excellence in everything it does through meticulous craftsmanship and quality built to last. They are all about sustainability ensuring that their processes and products are ethically and responsibly made while blending traditional techniques with modern design. A crown forms part of the logo and the three prongs represent the three women who raised and inspired this brand. They were the driving force behind what came next. TSHEPO had a dream which came true.
Tshepo Mohlala said his aunt is the inspiration behind his brand and that she would visit them in Tsakane dressed head-to-toe in denim. She ignited his interest in fashion and love for denim.
Image: Supplied
The story began when he swapped film for fashion. He started making and selling jeans out the boot of his car ten years ago which led to the brand’s headquarters opening its doors in Victoria Yards and this week sees a wonderful celebration of its 10th birthday at another of their stores in the prestigious Hyde Park Corner. The store is hip, happening and oozes positive vibes and a really good energy. It is filled with beautifully crafted denim garments and the highest quality lifestyle products.
When asked for advice on what to do when things don’t go your way and your dreams seem out of reach TSHEPO says “lean on your community, ask for help, strive to be the best and don’t give up!” Confidence is key here too as you can feel it in the way he carries himself when you’re in his presence. In between the gentleness, kindness and friendly demeanour is a certain determination sprinkled with resilience, a wild passion and a contagious amount of excitement. Another great South African story of hope which I hope ignites a flame inside you if you are thinking of giving up on your dreams. Try your best not to. Go TSHEPO! We are behind you all the way and can’t wait see you and your brand on the global stage.
