Trash is cash for this entrepreneur
FOR many people it is easier to throw out old things than find a use for them. For Phumlani Mkhize, 38, another’s trash is his treasure.
Mkhize has been crafting and selling jewellery made from recycled materials for six years. He started Abanqobi Arts & Crafts in 2010 and has built a loyal following.
Mkhize says he uses objects he finds such as cellular SIM cards, keyboard keys, bird feathers, sea shells, bottle caps, earphones, wine corks, pegs, buttons, zips and soft drink cans to create innovative, contemporary pieces of functional jewellery.
“When I started, I would pick up these objects off the streets,” he says. “I wanted to provide oneof-a-kind affordable products for students like me.”
His latest hit is a record bag. Made from old vinyl records, with leather lining and impeccable hand stitching, they make a bold statement.
Born and raised in Ashdown, Pietermaritzburg, Mkhize went to live with his mother in KwaDukuza when he finished school.
Soon afterward, he moved to the city and began taking art classes with Velobala, an empowerment initiative sponsored by the African Art Centre. It was during these classes that he practised his jewellery-making skills.
Dissatisfied with trying to live up to his parents’ expectations, Mkhize dropped out during his second year in electrical engineering at the Durban University of Technology, a course his parents had wanted him to study. Instead he decided to pursue his passion in fine art.
“My family were furious. They refused to support me or pay for my studies in art, so I applied for National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding and stayed at the university residence. I sold my jewellery for money to buy food and other necessities,” he said.
It was during research for a sculpture that he stumbled on images of recycled jewellery.
He started making and selling his own recycled jewellery to students around campus and the residence. The pieces were well received and demand grew.
Asked about the business name, Mkhize says he chose Abanqobi, which means to conquer, as he believed he was conquering life’s challenges.
He now has a stall set up at Pinetown’s CBD flea market.
He also recently showcased his recycled pieces at the Sustainable Living Expo and is determined to bring his one-of-a-kind jewellery to the fore.
“I am constantly making jewellery because there is such a demand,” Mkhize says. He is also working with the Department of Arts and Culture, teaching art to pupils at Bhekaphambili Primary School in Lamontville and plans to open up shop in central Durban.
For the future, he plans a collaboration with retail stores to sell his bags and jewellery to the masses. His tips for success are: • Persevere: you will find yourself undermined constantly, but you have to develop a thick skin.
• Work hard every day to be successful.
• Always respect the customers – they bring the income.
Facebook/Twitter: Abanqobi Arts & Crafts
Website: www. abanqobiartandcraft.co.za
E-mail: phumlani_mkhize@ yahoo.co.za. Cell: 074 300 1489