MEET ONE OF THE UPCOMING JEWELLERY DESIGNER-SIYANDA NGQUBA

Meet Siyanda Ngquba,she was born and raised in Eastern Cape.Siya studied BSc(Mathematics and Statistics) and BScHons (Computational Finance) but that didnt stop her on following her other passion to start a succesful home-based jewellery design and photography business.Although i only discovered Siya's amazing jewellery.I'm already a huge fan.Her designs are elegant and simple.

First off,I would like to thank Siyanda Nqguba for agreeing to do this interview with us.Siya is talking about her work,trends,designs and more.i must say she makes some really incredible jewellery.we caught up with her to ask few questions about her new venture.There are some pretty cool pieces we think you all will be into.

1.Tell us about yourself, including what you do and how you got there?
I am a go-getter, can think on my feet and enjoy challenges as I like solving problems. It is who I am. I am employed on a full time basis and do photography and jewelry design and making the remainder of my time.
I studied a BSc (Mathematics and Statistics) and BSc Hons (Computational Finance) at the University of the Western Cape from 2006 – 2009. Where after, I worked as an Actuarial Assistant and thereafter as a Management Consultant. Through hard work, I managed to complete my studies at get an opportunity of working with the best minds in the country.The formal business name is Mirror me projects (Pty) Ltd where we provide a photography service & this entity is named as Mirror Me Photography and we also design and hand make beaded jewelry & this entity is named as a Mirror Me Jewellery.

2.How did you start your brand?
I started the photography business (Mirror Me Photography) early 2012 as I enjoyed and still enjoy taking photos of people and I saw my skill being improved if I went for training. The training I underwent taught me to take a good photo the first time. Being a photographer means you avail yourself daily to learning, exploring and finding ways to improve yourself. What I enjoy the most is the reward of a smile from a happy client when we provide an even better service than what they expected.I started the jewelry business (Mirror Me Jewellery) months after I started the photography business. It started as a hobby as when I went to buy jewelry, I found that everyone was wearing the same jewelry as me. As a person, you want to stand out, you want enhance your beauty by what you wear as it gives you further confidence. I made jewelry for myself and thereafter decided to create necklaces that are exclusive, unique, elegant and timeless.

3.How big is the accessory business today from when you started?
Mirror Me Jewellery is still considered as a small business as we sell our jewelry at a boutique, on social media, 2 websites, at different markets & pop up events around Johannesburg and individuals I meet on a daily basis. We employ one female designer, one lady who does our packaging and myself as a designer.

4.How do you define luxury?
Luxury is a product or service, received by an individual, which brings status to the individual that receives the product or service of luxury.

5.What materials and techniques do you favor?
We use beads in different size, from the small to the biggest. We also custom make jewelry to the design and material that the client requires. All our jewelry are handmade. Depending on the design, we use different techniques to complete each design. It is simple to be frank. We use double strings for bracelets instead of one for durability. We use wire instead of string for the necklaces with the bigger beads. We use doubled strings for the small beads so that the jewellery for durability.

6.Tell us about your design style and what makes it unique?
We are inspired by different jewelry designs in the market but we do not design what is out there. We design what we would wear as designers, the chunkier or bigger the better as we want our jewelry to stand out and also make pieces as per client suggestions.
Our designs are unique because of the quality of the material we use, the attention to detail, the quality in the jewelry making process to make sure each product is durable, our packaging and FREE delivery service to our clients to all 9 provinces in South Africa.The other things that makes our jewelry unique are the custom designs that we do for our clients.

7. What kind of person wears your jewelry?
Our customers are individuals (males who buy for females and females who buy for themselves) who appreciate the uniqueness of our designs.
The lady that wears our jewelry is one that appreciates the elegance the jewelry brings to their look and pieces that can be worn at work, after work, at a function (formal, semi-formal, traditional or otherwise), etc.

8.Where do you draw your inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from practically everywhere. For instance, we see a couch with colors we never thought of combining and we use those colors for a design we want to make. We also draw inspiration from past fashion trends like color blocking and create a piece with a lot of colors. We also draw from our national flag, where we make a necklace with its colors without the necklace being a flag.We also look at jewelry out there and chop and mix designs out there and what we would add or remove from the pieces.

9.What’s it like to see someone on the street wearing one of your creations?
It is amazing to see someone wearing our jewelry as it means that people appreciate what we do and how we do it. Honestly, I smile to myself and they always smile back thinking I am smiling at them.

10.What are upcoming trends in the jewelry design industry?
The upcoming trends in the jewelry design industry is said to have a decrease in sales due to a shortage of disposable income to consumers but I am certain that this will not affect us  significantly as our jewelry are timeless and quality pieces and custom made jewelry. Our customers get what they want.
In terms of style, it depends what type of jewelry one makes, i.e. gold or silver or beaded. Most jewelry companies look at the clothing trends at different fashion weeks in the world. Mirror Me Jewellery does not necessarily follow trends but design and makes unique pieces.

11.Who are your favorite designers?
My favorite designer is Bongie Walaza as she also came from humble beginnings and she is making it big.

12.What is your favorite piece you've created and what made it special?
My favorite piece is the silver and yellow long plaited necklace as it is a pop of color. It fits in with any plain color top or dress or shirt.

13.The most valuable lesson you have learned?
The most valuable lesson I have learnt by being in business is SOMEONE SAID NO BECAUSE THEY DID  NOT UNDERSTAND YOU.

14.What advice would you give to someone interested in getting into the jewelry design business?
I would explain that JEWELRY IS NOT A NECESSITY BUT A LUXURY, THEREFORE YOU HAVE MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS SEE THE VALUE IN BUYING YOUR JEWELRY.

CONTACT:SIYANDA NGQUBA-MIRROR ME PHOTOGRAPHY
                PHOTOGRAPHER AND JEWELLERY DEISGNER
                078 295 3246
IMAGES:MIRROR ME PHOTOGRAPHY

By:Tebogo Sheela
tebogo@starstudded.co.za

One on One With Founder Of Man Made Fashion/Image Consultant Humbulani Vhulahani

Men are quite different and its often said" men buy and women shop"...Lol...Indeed some men tend to be analytical and they make purchase based on certain information. They like to get in the shop buy what they need and move on within seconds and they don't mind to buy the same item over and over again, let me leave this conservation to the male expert.

I recently had the opportunity to interview the founder of Man Made Fashion  PTY LTD Humbulani Vhulahani. He is an
Image Consultant/Personal Stylist for men...what a calm, un-phased, approachable gentleman.Its always refreshing to see that not every fashionista wears an "I am mighty" attitude around.Lets get some tips on how to stay on top of the game.


1.Tell us a little about yourself ..
I can summarise myself in three words; innovative, creative and enthusiastic – entrepreneur with well-rounded knowledge in various industries, and a founder/managing director of Man Made Fashion PTY LTD who loves and understands men’s executive fashion very well. I have styled and dressed ordinary people, professionals and prominent politicians and business people all across South Africa. I was born in 1979 in Johannesburg and was raised in a small village called Khubvi in Venda, Limpopo, which gave me a great exposure of both rural and urban life...so yeah I’m a “Venda man”

2.How did you decide to start the brand?
I started Man Made Fashion 3 years ago just retailing men’s clothing focusing on suits, blazers and shirts and recently added  image consulting and styling which brought a lot of tangible value to the brand. Man Made fashion came as a result of a need I spotted on men. Men in general do not know  garments cut, color and other simple unwritten dressing rules that every man should follow, as a result they end up asking for advice from their partners and spouses. Someone has to bridge that gap to educate and dress these men appropriately, which is what Man Made Fashion is about.

3.How do you feel about the fashion industry today?
I feel the industry is growing though not at a desired pace. We still have a very long way to go to be counted among the countries that are doing well when it comes to fashion. This country needs more and more young local fashion entrepreneurs to transform the industry, we need to move from sourcing our fashion from the rest of the world to producing our own and creating jobs for the young South Africans that are roaming the streets of our townships today. Perhaps government should do more to invest in our young people to contribute to the growth of the industry.

4.Whats  been the best and worst things about being a fashion entrepreneur?
The best thing is to be able to steer the fashion trends towards the direction you desire. Also being able to contribute to the industry with your own idea as opposed to just sit back and wish for change from a distance. The worst is to have to deal with the difficulties of the industry politics and funding every step of your way from your pocket.

5.Who is your target market?
My target market is young professionals, executive men of ages between 22 and 55 who appreciate great quality formal wear and style.

6.With so many boutiques and online stores why would people come to you for image advice?
One of my strongest point is in consulting with my clients at the comfort of their own home which conveniently gives me access their closets which no online store can do. My focus is in helping men to design their own desired looks and supplying them with the correct garments of the right cuts to suit their body types and needs.
My prices are more affordable considering I do not have huge overheads like expensive rentals and a lot of staff on payroll.

7.Fashion changes so fast.How does this impact on you and your business?
I like that, because it keeps me on my toes, but most importantly helps me to realise exclusivity.

8.What do you love about being an Image consultant/Stylist?
Besides the fact I benefit directly from my own skills, I like the change and the satisfaction I see in my clients when I’m done with my magic. Being able to transform someone’s view of themselves by just changing how they look is very fulfilling to me.

9.What are your future plans for the business?
On my plan is a one stop shop for men’s image, a studio where a man walks in and walk out totally transformed, from hair & beauty to clothing…

10.How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with a touch of color and uniqueness…

11.What are you into this season?
I’m into crispy white shirts, shades and happy socks…

12.Whats the best tip you can give to guys looking to develop their style?
Develop your style based on your personality, your point of view and how you want portray yourself. BE ORIGINAL (remember it takes time to define a look). If you still struggling, CALL ME

13.Do you pay attention to trends when styling and how much do you allow them to influence your styling?
Yes I do pay attention to trends, they are a good way to stay current in the eyes of your clients. Most of the time clients ask for things because they have seen them on celebrities, TV or magazines so i give my clients what they want but also educate them about other new trends or styles i recommend.

14.What is your favorite item you own and why?
A slim fit navy 100% wool summer suit, I just love it, it has this elegant power look about it…

15.What is the most important lesson that life has taught you?
That exposure is very important in one’s dreams, one must expose themselves as much as possible with the world they desire to be in. This will helps one to dream big and plan accordingly towards reaching their dream

16.Whats your go to outfit?
Navy suit, cripy white shirt, white vest, happy socks and brown shoes and a matching belt, shades and a geat SMILE…


17.How can people reach you for your services?
Email: humbu@manmadefashion.co.za
Cell: 0824551469

Pictures by Humbulani

By:Tebogo Sheela
     tebogo@starstudded.co.za

CATCHING UP WITH THE FORMER MUVHANGO ACTRESS, MODEL OMUHLE GELA

I was thrilled for the opportunity to meet and interview the founder of Twenty Swimwear line.The 23 year old former Muvhango actress and model Omuhle Gela has launched her swimwear line titled Twentyswimwear. I must say the swimwear line is a unique versatile designs that flatter  every woman's body and make  them feel like a million bucks.From the look of it, the collection is fun,girly, retro, bold prints and much more.

Tebogo: Who is Omuhle
Omuhle: Omuhle is a 23 year old lady who was born and bred in the East of Johannesburg, she is an actress and model

Tebogo: Who designs your swimwear line?
Omuhle: I do my own designing from the scratch.

Tebogo: What is the inspirations behind this range?
Omuhle: I was inspired by the bodies that are not summer ready and it's hard to find the perfect cut for fuller figure and i thought let me do the collection that cater for every woman despite of their body shapes.

Tebogo: Tell us more about your swimwear line...
Omuhle: The swimwear was created for all women to embrace their different body shapes, to boost their confidence, feel  good and sexy in their own skin.

Tebogo: Where can one purchase the collection?

Omuhle: You can purchase online, it takes 3-7 working days to deliver.

Tebogo: What is the price range?
Omuhle: Price for the collection starts from as a little as R 250 to R300

Tebogo: How can people contact you?
Omuhle: They can visit our website www.twentyswimwear.co.za
Courtesy Images:Omuhle-Instagram

By:Tebogo Sheela
tebogo@starstudded.co.za

One on One With The Former 2nd runner up Miss South Africa 2014,Currently Miss Sundowns 2014,Matlala Mokoko

Meet Matlala Mokoko, the 23 year old who was  born and bred in Ga-Masemola in Limpopo.Matlala is a combination of beauty, brains and talent.She just completed her Honours in Accounting at University of Johannesburg.She has been part of several  fashion shows, photography and beauty pageants.Matlala is also the former 2nd runner up of Miss South Africa 2014.The beautiful Matlala has been crowned Miss Sundowns 2014 at a glittering ceremony held at Midrand Gallagher Estate last week Saturday.

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background 
I am from a small rural area in Limpopo called, Ga-Masemola and I've been in boarding school since the age of 7. I've always loved sport which showed from a young age having been part of the provincial (Limpopo) athletics and netball teams in primary school as well as the provincial (Gauteng) and national netball and Basketball teams in high school and playing on a senior level too. I have just completed my Honours in Accounting (majoring in tax) at the University of Johannesburg.

2.How were you discovered  as a model? 
Since I was a teenager, I was always offered to join agencies when scouts would see me at the malls. In university, I finally decided to join an agency after my friends convinced me to.

3.How do you feel on the runaway? 
There is an adrenalin rush.

4.Whats one of the most interesting shoots that you've done? 
A test shoot with Xavier Saer when there was actual fire in a random field and we drove past it at first and then went back for it to form part of my shoot.

5.Did you build your portfolio before being signed by an agency or were you spotted by a scout?  and what is the name of your agency? 
I was spotted first and then I built a portfolio with my first agency in the vaal but then I had to rebuild a portfolio with my second agency first and then join Heads model agency.

6.You have an amazing portfolio,which of the project you have worked on are your  most proud moments and why? 
Fashion weeks and all of them are my pride but a legit captain is the main one.

7.What do you find the most challenging about working in the fashion industry? 
I haven't come across too many challenges as of yet. One must just remain passionate.

8.How do you stay in shape? 
I workout. Playing competitive netball has been helpful and I love running. One doesn't need a gym.
Eating well is also very important and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

9.Do you have a skin care routine?
I moisturise my skin daily, and keep hydrated by drinking lots of water and eating healthily.

10.How would you define your personal style? 
Simple and minimal which is classic and personal preference (not trendy styles).

11.Do you have any wardrobe staples? 
A pair of jeans, leather jacket, jumpsuits, converse All stars, heels, white T's are necessary.

12.Who is your style icon? 
Victoria Beckham.

13.What is the must haves for this season? 
Always sun glasses, oversized tops/ T-shirt dresses, jumpsuits, sandal heels.

14.Tell us a little about your Miss South Africa journey? 
Definitely a growing experience that propels you to want to achieve more.

15.What is the difference between Miss Sundowns and Miss South Africa? 
There are more similarities in that they both grow you. Give you platform to inspire a nation. With being a Sundowns ambassador, I will get the chance to realise my dreams in working in sports, something that will help alleviate poverty, grow youth development, education and is very involved with uniting the people of South Africa.

16.You are now Miss Sundowns 2014, How does that feel? 
I feel privileged and blessed. Excited too.

17.What advise would you give to aspiring models?
Believe in yourself and your abilities.  Know your worth and know that what you want to achieve is attainable through hard work and persistence.  The sky is the limit

By: Tebogo Sheela
tebogo@starstudded.co.za

Congratulations Matlala!