Having suffered from depression and down on life for three years, the very independent and fearless Melody Mazibuko is an example of a true inspiration and hard work in youth.
Being driven by passion for creativity and hunger to succeed, the 29-year-old from Soshanguve who grew up under a Ndebele household, started her own range of hand painted shoes with different Ndebele patterns to raise funds to go back to University and live the best life she can build for herself.
“Out of frustration and being kicked out of school, I remembered there’s one thing I’ve always been complemented on which are my drawing and writing skills. I took that skill and hand painted my takkies as a start and it got people’s attention,” Mazibuko said
From the very first pair of her craft, Melody grabbed the local’s attention, which planted the seed of starting her very own business. She started painting takkies for friends and locals for extra money.
“I whole heartedly disliked what I was studying back when I was in school and it drove me into depression and having to fight internal wars within myself. I could not afford to live like other students and I was afraid of being labelled as the needy student,” Melody said.
Two years later, her skill has taken many hearts including internationals. Social media has played an important part in the young enthusiast’s dream. Her first Facebook photo of the takkies reached over 1,500 likes on Facebook. She said her priceless and unreal moment was seeing her customers on social media wearing her craft in Germany and India.
“I paint the takkies with my mother and what separates us from the rest is how we design and produce the final products. Because we hand paint, the patterns are different and not the same in shape and lines as compared to machinery patterns and people like that about them, the unique imperfections they come with,” Melody excitedly said.
Her customers are treated with a choice of six custom made designs which come from her and her mother’s own drawn creative patterns. Melody was recently given an opportunity to ‘wow’ international investors including the American Embassy with her vision.
“That is the best highlight of my life so far. They understood the picture I painted for them with my passion and drive and they gave me a standing ovation. I could not believe that is was actually happening to me. My mom was also there and she cried her eyes out and I just thought she’s going to embarrass me,” Mazibuko laughs.
Melody is a sole bread winner of a family of six. She said it makes her happy that her parents no longer have to go to work at their age.
Mazibuko said that the reason behind starting House of Kayise was to have enough money to go back to school. She has been accepted to study Communication Management at the University of Pretoria.
“I’m excited that I have managed to raise some of the money I need to pay for my fees and the sum is still growing. I’m more thrilled that this time I am going to study what I love and because I have a business, I have an advantage of understanding how some things work.”
She has been awarded a scholarship by the Africa Craft Trust to attend workshops that will be beneficial to growing her business. She also holds talks to inspire and encourage young women.
“I motivate fellow women by talking about my journey. As women we need to be there for one another. We are faced with so many challenges and if we do not learn to make a living for ourselves, we will end up giving in to the horrific lifestyle of dating older men for money.”
She encourages the youth to study and read books as much as they can.
“Studying doesn’t mean going to school physically but you can do it online as well. I download books and study. We have the advantage of free Wi-Fi in Tshwane and it should be used for such purposes,” she added.
Part of this young bubbly business woman’s dream is getting her craft sold in popular South African retail outlets and with her success so far, nothing will ever stop her.
