A 74-year-old is living her dream in the fashion industry
LIZETTE Theunissen, a 74-year-old woman, is living proof that one can never be too old to live their dream. In November last year she started a clothing brand, Koi Klothing, which specialises in children’s clothes.
“I always wanted to be in the fashion industry, making kids’ clothing. After my husband died two years ago, I didn’t want to sit at home and do nothing so I started making a few items… It’s been a roller-coaster ride ever since,” says Theunissen.
Koi Klothing was also inspired by Theunissen’s son Shaun, an artist who makes painted T-shirts.
Although Koi Klothing started with just making clothes for kids, it has grown into designing women’s apparel too… I thought why not do swimwear cover-ups,” she explains.
Besides having to launch her brand at this age, after being in the business of specialist trader for 30 to 40 years, Theunissen is quite thrilled about her new business venture and that, finally, she is living her passion.
“Every day it’s getting more exciting and I’d like to see everybody in the street wear Koi Klothing,” said Theunissen.
Theunissen is delighted to see women steering their own vehicles and knowing what they want nowadays.
“Unlike before, it has become easier for women to join the business world and do what they feel they want to do. Back then, women were mostly told what they had to do because there weren’t all these opportunities they have today,” says Theunissen.
She explains that she thinks in order for women to strive and be what they want to be, they need to believe in themselves. “The big thing for women is to realise that they can do something on their own. Also believe that whatever you start, you can finish. When you’re on your own, you realise there are things in life that you don’t have to be afraid to take on. By doing things with people who believe in you and advise you, you can be great.”
With Women's Month currently under way, we take a look at some of the phenomenal women, in the fashion and beauty industry, who strive to be better.
For more, visit www.koiklothing. co.za