Thatiso Dube is the visionary behind Galaxy Boy (GALXBOY), one of South Africa’s most influential streetwear brands. From humble beginnings in Soshanguve to running a multi-million-rand fashion empire, his journey is one of resilience, creativity, and business acumen. Here are 20 key things you should know about the man behind GALXBOY.
1. Born and Raised in Soshanguve
Thatiso Dube was born and raised in Soshanguve, a township north of Pretoria. His upbringing in this vibrant yet challenging environment played a significant role in shaping his perspective on fashion and business.
2. His Parents Separated When He Was Young
Dube’s parents split when he was still a child. Though difficult, this experience instilled in him a sense of independence and determination to build a better future for himself.
3. Moved to Centurion in His Teens, Where He Met ANATII
As a teenager, Dube moved to Centurion, a more suburban area of Pretoria. It was there that he met ANATII, a renowned South African musician and producer.
4. Spent Time at ANATII’s House Designing on His Computer
Dube developed a love for design while spending time at ANATII’s house. Using ANATII’s computer, he started experimenting with graphic design and began conceptualizing what would later become GALXBOY.
5. ANATII Introduced Him to the Internet and High-End Fashion
Through ANATII, Dube was exposed to the internet, luxury fashion brands, and global trends, broadening his understanding of streetwear culture and the fashion industry.
6. Opened His First Shop with Two Tenderpreneurs
Dube’s first big step in business came when he partnered with two tenderpreneurs to open his first GALXBOY store. At the time, the brand was gaining traction, and having a physical store was a major milestone.
7. The Partnership Failed Due to Creative Differences
The partnership did not last. Dube felt that his partners wanted too much control over the creative direction of GALXBOY, leading him to walk away from the business relationship.
8. Took a Hiatus and Returned During COVID-19 with R90,000 Worth of Stock
After stepping back, Dube rebranded and re-strategized. When COVID-19 hit, he re-entered the market with R90,000 worth of stock, selling both online and from a co-working space called Co-Space.
9. Head-Hunted to Open a Store in Menlyn Mall
His online success caught the attention of Menlyn Mall, one of Pretoria’s biggest shopping centers. They invited him to open a store, which became an instant success.
10. Interned at Amakipkip as a Designer Before Launching GALXBOY
Before GALXBOY became a household name, Dube interned at Amakipkip, another popular South African streetwear brand, where he refined his skills.
11. Mentored by Amakipkip Founder, Nkosana
While at Amakipkip, Dube was mentored by its founder, Nkosana, who taught him valuable lessons about branding, business, and the streetwear industry.
12. Traveled to China with Nkosana to Meet Suppliers
As part of his mentorship, Nkosana took Dube on a business trip to China, where he learned about manufacturing, fabric sourcing, and quality control.
13. Credits His Mom as His Inspiration
Dube often says that his mother was his biggest inspiration in pursuing fashion. Her hard work and resilience motivated him to chase his dreams.
14. His Father Gave Him R10,000 to Travel to China
Despite their separation, his father supported his dreams by giving him R10,000 to help fund his first trip to China with Nkosana.
15. Opted for a Year-Long Mentorship Instead of a Salary
At Amakipkip, he made a bold decision to reject a salary and instead chose to learn the business through a year-long mentorship. This hands-on experience proved invaluable.
16. The Only Designer at GALXBOY
Unlike many brands with large creative teams, Dube is the sole designer at GALXBOY, personally overseeing all designs and collections.
17. Employs Around 170 People
Today, GALXBOY has grown into a major fashion business with around 170 employees, spanning retail, logistics, and operations.
18. Expanded Warehousing Due to Rapid Growth
The brand has experienced exponential growth, leading them to request their landlord to expand their warehouse facilities to accommodate increased demand.
19. Studied Accounting at the University of Pretoria
Before fully committing to fashion, Dube studied Accounting at the University of Pretoria, which gave him a strong foundation in business and finance.
20. Prioritizes Quality Over Extensive Marketing
GALXBOY’s success is not built on flashy advertising but rather on high-quality products and strong brand loyalty, proving that good design speaks for itself.
Thatiso Dube’s journey from a young designer in Soshanguve to a leading figure in South African streetwear is an inspiration to many. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and entrepreneurship, proving that with the right mindset, mentorship, and dedication, success is possible.
