Africa-Press – Lesotho. Inspirations come in different ways; today the youth are doing the most to make the world a better place. A 29 year old Mosotho woman ‘Mabophelo “Maly” Mohanoe Kebise rose to fame with
just a little money to start a brand of her own. Maly is the founder and owner of The Phoenix brand that produces custom made clothing, printing and jewellery
basically art in general. It sells products made from Lesotho and Kenya and operates in both countries. “What inspired me to start The Phoenix was my love for art.
I love everything that has to do with art, sculptures, pottery to painting. Today The phoenix made me grow into the industry of art. I started with printing but today I can sew
clothes, customized according to the needs of my clients. I infuse culture and modern fabrics into bomber jackets, hoodies, sandals and handbags. I use
African print fabrics more than shoeshoe fabrics because they are inspirational and colourful. Having worked between the two countries gained me great exposure
in the fashion industry,” she said. Kebise revealed that she hopes to make The Phoenix known in the global market. She however noted that there are challenges of material shortage, especially when
she works from Lesotho. “The ankara and the kitenge fabric are so rare in Lesotho. The only African print here is the one that is made with wax fabric so
I use the cotton fabric. Again, when I have to buy printing materials, I always have to go to Bloemfontein or Johannesburg; it is stressful because I have to
cross the border all the time,” she said, highlighting it as a business opportunity. “My recommendation to the young generation or someone who would like to start their own brand or company would be, go for it, do not
listen to what people have to say. Do not give up on your dreams, just do it, do it today don’t wait for tomorrow. Slow and steady always win the race. Don’t wait to have thousands or millions of money. Take it slow until you have reached your dreams, eventually you will get there,” Kebise advised.
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