Tru’D Creationz takes a fashion leap of faith
Tru’D Creationz, a fashion label by Trudy Bakwena recently garnered appreciation at the recent Fashion Without Borders spectacular; a dream come true for the brand, which prides itself on creating stylish and unique fashion garments for every occasion.
Given her knack for design and sewing, it is hard to believe that Bakwena used to crunch numbers as an accountant. Her passion for fashion kept calling, and she eventually gave in, quit her job and threw caution to the wind, establishing her fashion brand.
Bakwena said when she quit her career in accounting to pursue fashion, many people thought that she had lost her mind. She said it was one of the craziest things she has ever done, but it is now paying off. “Having to tell people that I wanted to go into fashion design was not easy because it is one of those careers that are not esteemed in our country.
Some people would say to me: ‘ Ehe, o a roka? Nnyaa mme fa o bona phaleche go botoka.’ This would discourage me a bit but I have always been persistent and I strongly believed that by God’s grace, things would work out,” she said.
Bakwena, who hails from Mahalapye and was raised in White City, Gaborone, brought her A game to fashion and was doing well for herself until Covid- 19 happened and she was faced with dire financial constraints. “I had to sell some of my machines and the situation was so exacerbating that I had to work with my cousin, who runs Nitar Brands. The upside is that our working together was lucrative as we helped each other with orders,” she said. The situation improved after the lockdown as some of her customers returned, and she got new customers.
The biggest highlight for her, so far, was being selected as one of the fashion designers to showcase at the Fashion Without Borders 2020 edition. “It was a great opportunity as I got to meet amazing people like Resego Motlhakathari, who offered to help advertise my brand. I am grateful and humbled by the support I received,” she said.
The budding fashion designer is a God believing woman, and prayer has been her clutch. “Prayer has helped me greatly. Someone once said: ‘ If your life was a car and prayer was the gas, how far would you travel today?’ That quote remains etched in my mind, and I know that I can turn to God whenever I want or need anything.” Bakwena wants her fashion brand to grow beyond borders, and she envisions herself employing thousands of people. “I want to be an inspiration to other young, aspiring designers and help them achieve their dreams by equipping them with design/ sewing skills, particularly those who cannot afford to do that themselves. I know that I can only achieve that through hard work and perseverance, and I am willing to put in the necessary work.” To see more of her work, visit Facebook page: @ trudyvidic and Instagram: @ tru_ d Creationz.