Funky Res breathes fresh air into fashion
I loved making clothes for dolls, and I always had a fashion kit. So, to me, fashion is my talent. Even when I was waiting to go to tertiary, I spent a lot of time learning about fashion. In 2013 I attended a fashion show called Fashion Mentor, and that inspired me to start visualising my fashion dream
Funky Res is a local fashion line with a finger on the pulse of modern style. Boasting ranges that include avante garde pieces to sassy elegance and down- to- earth street fashion garments, Funky Res is sprinkling some funky flair to fashion.
The lady behind Funky Res is Abigail Resego Sehunelo, a passionate and hard- working fashion lover, who intuitively knew from a young age that fashion was her calling. In school she won several awards in art, which confirmed her creative streak. She shares that when she was a little girl, she would make mandanakwa dolls, and her late mother would sell them for her. “I loved making clothes for dolls, and I always had a fashion kit. So, to me, fashion is my talent. Even when I was waiting to go to tertiary, I spent a lot of time learning about fashion. In 2013 I attended a fashion show called Fashion Mentor, and that inspired me to start visualising my fashion dream.”
Sehunelo studied accounts at Botswana Accounting College with the intention to land a ‘ proper job’ because as much as she loved fashion, she never imagined that she could make a career of it, especially in Botswana. However, fate had other plans in mind as it steered her towards her destiny, through her meeting Candidah Montsho of Didah Fashion, who taught and mentored her in fashion design. It was around this time that the idea for Funky Res came about and in 2014, she officially started her business. Her brother jumped on board and helped her with branding, and extended whatever support he could. However, nothing could have prepared her for the bumpy ride ahead of her. It wasn’t enough to have passion and talent; client relations and business acumen were just as important, and she struggled to keep financially afloat, but she persevered. “It wasn’t easy because I didn’t have much money as I just took a risk. There were times when I could go for several months without any clients but I never gave up. As the years went by, the business started to grow and I got invited to fashion shows, and had opportunities to dress celebrities.”
Her biggest career highlight was showcasing her designs in Seychelles, a cherished memory for her. She has also won an award for best upcoming fashion designer and she breaks into a proud grin whenever she sees her work featured on fashion shows. The one person she has enjoyed working with the most is Miss Botswana 2019/ 2020, Oweditse Phirinyane. “She has been with me since 2016, and she is lovely to work with; she is also always willing to help me when I am stuck,” she said.
Sehunelo is still in love with fashion the same way she was as a little girl. She enjoys bringing her funky creativity to life, and seeing other people appreciating her garments. Her dream is to be counted among the best brands globally and to diversify her brand portfolio in future.