Eastern Cape fashion innovator realises dream

MTHATHA-born Babalwa Mbuku, the brainchild behind the Ntombam brand, did not let her lack of education defer her from chasing her dreams and has now launched her own fashion line.

Mbuku, 38, launched her dresses, T-shirts, leggings and beanies at an intimate session held at Ground X on Saturday afternoon.

“I always wanted to be a fashion designer, but because I never had the skill to draw I didn’t let that stop me and I partnered with designer, Sibonile Xoko, whom I believed could share my vision and we have been working well ever since.

“He is highly skilled and very innovative and he understands what my brand is all about and whom it speaks to,” she said.

Mbuku said she always aspired to be like Nkhensani Nkosi the brainchild of Stoned Cherrie fashion designs.

“She also had a vision and although she was not a designer herself, this did not stop her brand from flourishing.”

Mbuku said although she launched the clothing line, she had intentions of growing the brand into cosmetics which included a body lotion which she would be launching next month as well as perfume and more.

“Although we are currently working on social media, pushing the brand there and generating a lot of customers, we will also be hosting monthly pop-up shops throughout the province. Next month we will be in Port Elizabeth and the next in Mthatha, because we want to get the opportunity to engage with all our clients to get ideas of how they feel about the merchandise and what more they’d like to see.

“So far, I’m overwhelmed by the response, we have been warmly received and the support has been inspiring,” she said.

Mbuku is also the franchise owner of Made In Africa (MIA) sanitary towels which are available at selected stores around the province.

Mbuku’s friend Linda Gwensa, a singer-songwriter for several prominent artists, who performed at the launch, said:

“She is a people’s person and has all the capabilities that can help her flourish in her business.”