Malerotholi is a woman entrepreneur running a fashion brand called Thethana. Read her entrepreneurial story below.
Startup Story
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Malerotholi Maseribane. I am an entrepreneurial enthusiast. I am always looking out for opportunities that exist in my environment. I am passionate about building a business that creates value for society. I am passionate about fashion, farming, and women's empowerment. I like collaborating with others. I am a holder of a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management from the University of South Africa. I am an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative - Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI MWF). Through the YALI MWF program, I attended the Business and Entrepreneurship Institute at Oklahoma State University, where I became Top 5 in the business pitches competition. I am also one of the 2017 beneficiaries of the Small Agricultural Development Program Grant for my Farming business. Currently, I run Thethana as the co-founder and Managing Director of the brand.
What does your company do?
Thethana is a ready to wear clothing line. We design and manufacture; unique, fun, and versatile African-inspired clothing pieces; that embrace and celebrate the Sesotho Heritage and influence intercultural fashion exchange through the Basotho Seshoeshoe fabric and print designs. Our overall Brand and products take inspiration from Thethana, a Basotho traditional skirt made from fiber and often decorated with beads. Our products can be worn in several ways, thus embracing the versatility that we seek to represent.
Who are you targeting with your customers?
Our primary target audience is the modern women between the ages of 25 – 55 who are on the market for authentic, elegant, and fun African designs. We cater to women looking to make a statement and are willing to spend more on high-quality Seshoeshoe clothing pieces. Over the years, we served women Locally and internationally. We aim to launch the male line very soon, which will be our secondary target market.
What inspired you to start the business?
I started the brand with my sister Nkotseng Moleko, who holds a Fashion degree and advanced management Diploma and is our Creative Managing Director. In 2017, we sought an opportunity in the Lesotho fashion space and decided to collaborate to represent Lesotho and the Basotho culture within the industry.
Can you tell us more about your entrepreneurial journey?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. I have always been passionate about starting businesses of my own. I used to have many ideas and concepts for collaboration. I started my first business in 2014, and the journey has been of great lessons to date.
What challenges have you faced in your entrepreneurial journey?
Our African entrepreneurial landscape is harsh. We face many challenges and constantly must come up with tools and strategies to help our businesses survive. One of the biggest challenges I came across over the years is anxiety, self-imposed and imposed by our environment. The pressures can be very high when the road gets tough though we never give in. It is not an easy job pushing oneself even when the environment is not conducive.
What are your future goals for your business?
My goal is to see Thethana in International markets. I want to see a Lesotho-born brand taking up space in the African Fashion space and impact and change the lives of those behind and within the brand.
What is most fulfilling to you about being an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship is my life; it gives me purpose. Waking up and doing what I love every day is fulfilling. People don’t always know the trials and tribulations of our businesses, and getting positive feedback, support, and acknowledgment is so fulfilling and affirming that you are still in the direct direction.
Any advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
A proven concept is that which started. Start with what you have.
Contact details:
Website: www.thethana.com
Facebook: @thethana_ls
Instagram: @thethana_ls
Linkedin: Malerotholi Maseribane
Lovely. I happen to know this lady and she is an inspiration