Africa-Press – Eswatini. From passion to purpose, Nana Maziya transforms beads into art and livelihood.
When Nontsetselelo “Nana” Maziya, a 36-year-old graduate of ESCOT in Telecommunication and Electronics Engineering, found herself unemployed, she turned to an unexpected path, beadwork. Today, she is the creative force behind Lelo Jewels, a brand she promotes through her Facebook page and personal networks, where her vibrant beadwork pieces are gaining recognition.
Originally from Hlathikhulu, Mtsambama, Nana’s journey began in Mbabane when she noticed a neighbor crafting emagcebesha. Fascinated by the beauty of the designs, she eagerly learned the basics from her neighbor, Tanele Dlamini, who taught her for free. “I was lucky she was friendly and skilled,” Nana recalls. “She gave me a foundation, and I built on it with practice, experimentation, and online tutorials.”
What started as a hobby has now flourished into a four-year passion and growing business. Nana creates a wide range of beadwork, including emagcebesha, bracelets, tigcizo, earrings, bags, and other handcrafted pieces. Her work blends traditional Eswatini designs with modern creativity, inspired by heritage, art, and the achievements of successful local crafters.
Beadwork, she says, is more than just craft, it’s her therapy. “It brings me peace and satisfaction, especially when people appreciate my work. It teaches patience and problem-solving, while giving me a sense of purpose.”
The path hasn’t been without challenges. From rushing to finish intricate logo patterns to sourcing scarce materials, Nana has faced difficulties with determination. “I’ve had to work late nights and sometimes ask customers to wait for materials,” she explains. But the support from her community has been uplifting, with many encouraging her to expand into creating full traditional attire, including indlamu and umgaco.
Nana’s bigger vision is to stock materials from Johannesburg to expand her business and, eventually, grow Lelo Jewels into a recognized brand that reaches international markets. Alongside beadwork, she also finds inspiration in farming, another passion that influences her color choices and designs.
For aspiring bead crafters, Nana offers heartfelt advice: “Start with the basics, be patient, and practice. Experiment, enjoy the process, and create something beautiful.” She grounds her journey in faith, often reminding herself of the verse: “God will bless the works of your hands.”
Her dream is clear, “to have my beadwork recognized globally while staying true to my roots, and to create opportunities for other local artisans while preserving traditional crafts in my community.”
Contact Details
Facebook Username: Nana Canco
Facebook Page: Lelo Jewels
WhatsApp: +268 7804 9250 / +268 7904 9260
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