Ntombenhle Hlela has found that being a student and an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. The 26-year-old, from a small community called Willowfontein, kwaTomu in Pietermaritzburg, is registered for a Diploma in Public Management at DUT which she is planning to complete during the 2022 academic year.

Hlela currently has an NQF level 5 High Certificate in Fashion Design.

“I thought my love and passion for fashion and education would make it easy for me to be a student and an entrepreneur concurrently. Balancing the two is a process that that one learns along the way and requires consistency, time management and planning. Now I have acquired these skills, I am ready to complete my studies,” explained Hlela.

She (Hlela) is the founder of Brighnual Designs in Pietermaritzburg, a boutique that specialises in garment making, fashion and textiles that represent a simple yet elegant and unique style. Her business has not only opened doors for her, but provides jobs for two full-time employees, with plans to employ more as the establishment expands. She said that watching Selimathunzi showcasing celebrities’ fashion inspired her.

“I was not able to find what I was looking for in most retail shops and this encouraged me to create my unique styles. My dream is to own more retail boutiques and have the biggest black-owned fabric shop,” she said.

She added that there are always challenges in any business, but one should never give up on their dreams. “To be a successful designer, it is important to always stay up-to-date on trends by visiting digital platforms and following other designers for inspiration. A successful fashion designer also needs excellent business skills which include budget management, good communication skills, creativity and the ability to work under pressure,” said Hlela.

Pictured: Ntombenhle Hlela wears one of her designs.

Zanele Mashaba