Young Minds: Interview With Founder Of AfriBlossom- Bonolo Mataboge

Bonolo Mataboge is the founder of  fashion label AfriBlossom. She started designing at the age of 12 and at the age of 19 she launched her brand AfriBlossom. Bonolo who is 21 today has achieved a lot for herself that many other designers her age haven’t. Her ultimate goal is to be the biggest plus size clothing brand not just in South Africa but in the continent as well. Which would ultimately make the brand the best in the continent.

We got the chance to interview Bonolo Mataboge in this interview she gives us a brief insight into her business

YV: You are only 21 years old and you are already making a mark in the fashion industry, what does this mean to you?

Bonolo Mataboge: I don’t think acknowledgement of my accomplishments has really set in in my mind. I still feel like I am not where I hoped to be by now but affirmations like having AfriBlossom named as one of the 10 Fabulous Places To Buy Plus Size Fashion In South Africa by Essentials Magazine drives the message home that I am making progress and helps me give myself a pat on the back and be less critical of myself.

YV: How did you get to where you are today and who or what motivated you along the way?

Bonolo Mataboge: It’s kind of been a roller-coaster ride of (I know it’s a cliché but) blood, sweat and tears; hard work and perseverance; love and support; and a pinch of good luck. I have literally put my heart and soul into my business, which is more than a business to me it’s my baby. My biggest motivator is definitely my mom, I probably would’ve given up a long time ago without her. I am also motivated by my love of freedom and passion for expressing my creativity and my love for my continent.

YV: What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?

Bonolo Mataboge: The sleepless nights? I’m just kidding. Definitely the freedom to be and do anything I imagine and changing people’s lives with my creations. I know fashion seems like a frivolous thing but it can greatly impact how a woman sees herself and carries herself and I love seeing that transformation.

YV: Starting a business is a big achievement for many entrepreneurs, but maintaining one is the larger challenge. What were the main challenges you faced when you started your business?

Bonolo Mataboge: Some of my challenges have been being too trusting and being taken advantage of because of my youth, finding reliable manufacturers as I outsource the sewing to CMT’s, getting people to take me seriously since I am so young and free-styling, learning the ropes of the business as I go along.

YV: What makes Afriblossom unique from all the other clothing brands out there?

Bonolo Mataboge: AfriBlossom is an African, unique and chic plus-size women’s wear brand for the cosmopolitan African woman. AfriBlossom is unique because it caters for an under-served market (plus-size), we offer a hybrid range that bridges the gap between African and western clothing and we cater for a broad range of ages as we discovered that the mature plus-size market is catered for but the youth market finds what is currently available aging/age inappropriate

YV: Where do you find the inspiration for each design?

Bonolo Mataboge: I am mainly inspired by the cultures of the continent, colour and shapes both geometric and organic.

But as any artist can tell you inspiration can come from anywhere, one day it could be the clouds and the next it could be a fabric. I just keep my mind open to the beauty of the world.

YV: What kind of style do you think is the latest trend?

Bonolo Mataboge: Fashion has definitely tapped into a strong throwback trend where we see strong influences of decades past, currently it is the late 60’s and 70’s with influences form the Spanish culture and Elizabethan era

YV: What do you hope to achieve through Afriblossom in the future?

Bonolo Mataboge: I hope to transform the definition of beauty to include plus-size women of all shapes; celebration of our unique African features and cultures; and be the biggest plus-size brand in Africa that also gives back to all the communities it operates in.

YV: Your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people – especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find are?

Bonolo Mataboge: Entrepreneurship is our saving grace and we need to get into and independent mindset where we believe and understand that we are the solution to our problems and that we can’t rely on the government to save us when we are fully capable of doing that ourselves. I know a lot of people will say that they can’t because they don’t have the funds but money follows good ideas and you need to work on the idea first before you knock on doors for money.

YV: Where do you see yourself and your business 5 years from now?

Bonolo Mataboge: I see AfriBlossom having stores in all major cities in South African and possibly SADC, having stock in specific countries that are in our target market.all, expanding into footwear and accessories and supporting causes close to my heart like the treatment of children with orthopedic conditions with the help of the Walk-A-Mile Centre for Advanced Orthopedics.

YV: What advice can you give to someone who wants to become a businesswoman in the future?

Bonolo Mataboge: If you believe in what you are doing/have to offer and are willing to learn and sacrifice for your dream go for it. Business is hard and you won’t make money overnight so be ready to be broke for a while. You’re going to have to knock on a lot of doors and hear no a lot but keep pushing because one day people will start knocking on your door and you will reap the rewards. As they say you reap what you sow.Be on the lookout for a few guardian angels who will give you a helping hand when you least expect it. Also do not be afraid to ask for help.