Big city lights beckon fashion designer Nico
Nico Willoughby-Smith has made a name for himself in the local fashion industry. He creates unique and beautiful dresses for brides, matriculants and anyone who needs something awesome for a special occasion. The Polokwane-born and bred designer recently decided to leave his hometown and relocate to Bassonia, Johannesburg.
“I am two years shy of 40 and I felt it was time for a change. I went to school at Pemps and completed my school career at Capricorn High School. I temporarily moved to Pretoria for three years to study full time and I had a two-year stint in Gqeberha. After that I came back to Polokwane, a place I will always call home.”
Although the decision to relocate was sudden, Nico knew the time was right. “Despite the effect Covid-19 has had on all small businesses, I decided to visit
The move to Johannesburg has fulfilled my dream of being a haute couture designer.
Johannesburg one week every month since February 2021 to explore the prospects of expanding into the Gauteng fashion market. Certain projects within the timeframe needed to be finalised before the relocation could be done, so it just seemed fitting that the relocation takes place in time for the new year.”
Nico explains the opportunity to expand his brand into the retail market secured a better financial prospect during Covid-19 and also fulfilled his passion for being an haute couture designer. He worked in the fashion industry within Polokwane for 16 years, and attracted clients from surrounding towns and provinces.
“I am incredibly excited and not nervous at all for my new business adventure. I truly took my time over the last year to consider the pros and cons about my relocation. The market-related research spoke for itself, and everything just fell perfectly into place. I will always be grateful and humbled by my upbringing in Polokwane. It actually taught me that timing is everything. I will definitely miss my clients. Professionalism has led to many long-term friendships where I’ve had the amazing opportunity of basically dressing the entire family.”
Nico will still visit Polokwane every month to help clients in the city.