Africa-Press – Eswatini. In the heart of Manzini, Fundile Thobela is rewriting what success looks like through second hand clothing business built on faith, resilience, and lived experience. For five years, the former unemployed teacher has turned a childhood connection to thrift clothing into a growing enterprise that now supports her family, employs people, and inspires many others to start small but dream big.
“My mom sold second hand clothes when I was growing up and we always wore second hand clothes,” Thobela shared. “She was a fighter but left us very early… but she left me with the love of second hand clothes.”
That early exposure became her foundation. She spent years thrifting for herself and family until people began admiring her style. “People just loved pieces that I wore and I started thrifting for them,” she said.
When COVID-19 disrupted supply chains, she saw an opportunity. “There was a scarcity of bales… I could see a gap in servicing social media clients, so I advertised on Facebook and my first WhatsApp group got full in a day that’s when everything started.”
She also highlighted the role of financial support systems in her journey. “Me and my friend joined and asked for the revolving fund loan and guess what we got it… now Kuyenteka is my SACCO of choice,” she said, explaining how being a member helped her grow and sustain the business.
Her journey has not been easy. She wakes up early to take her children to school, then spends the day running her shop, posting content, and engaging clients online. “I post, post, post and stay online the whole day looking for orders,” she explained.
What sets her apart is trust and quality. “I eliminate the surprise factor… I open my bales and make sure every client gets value. My clients are my everything,” she said, adding that referrals built her brand.
Despite challenges like high taxes and online scammers, she remains focused. Today, she owns two shops, has opened a guest house, and runs training tours to Maputo.
“This business is my calling to help people change their financial situations,” she said.
Her advice remains simple but powerful: “Start with what you have and God will do the rest. Yours is just to start.”
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
