Often, indigenous design can remain a best kept secret to the country it is found in, but thanks to passionate South African entrepreneur, Sinoneliso Xaba and her company Egoli Textile Designs, that is about to change. She is on a mission to bring the continent’s most innovative African print textiles to the global marketplace, and to win a legion of new fans along the way.
LoA found out more about this creative entrepreneur with a real eye for design and a passion for African textiles this month.
What does your company do?
We specialise in African print textiles, textile design, fashion and accessories.
"My inspiration for starting the company came from my desire to innovate African print textiles by offering a range of ethically produced African textiles and fashion, inspired by indigenous designs, infused with a new, fresh and modern approach."
What inspired you to start your company?
My inspiration for starting the company came from my desire to innovate African print textiles by offering a range of ethically produced African textiles and fashion, inspired by indigenous designs, infused with a new, fresh and modern approach.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We offer unique, high quality African fabric designs and a fashion range that celebrates Africa. Our textiles and fashion can be worn with ease, incorporating both functionality and comfort. We work under Fair Trade conditions using eco-friendly dyes, inks and fabrics.
"I was inspired to start Egoli Textile Designs to create a range of textiles and fashion items that truly celebrate African uniqueness of design."
Tell us a little about your team
There is myself Sino, Creative Director; Nomfundo who is our Digital Marketer and the Facilitator/Mentor for our Skills Programme; Constance, the Facilitator of our Skills Programme; Muriel our Office Administrator; and Conny Ramuntsha, who is responsible for Sales.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was inspired to start Egoli Textile Designs to create a range of textiles and fashion items that truly celebrate African uniqueness of design. I wanted to create a fashion range that celebrates Africa and connects us to the world. African design stands on a par with the rest of the world. We want the world to know of our heritage through our fashion and textiles that are both contemporary and comfortable to wear.
"African design stands on a par with the rest of the world. We want the world to know of our heritage through our fashion and textiles that are both contemporary and comfortable to wear."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to create brand awareness and to invite current and potential future buyers to enjoy our exciting product offering through our online shop www.egolitextiles.co.za It is our desire to create a lasting legacy of African heritage fashion that celebrates the true beauty of women and men all over the world. We wish to enjoy a customer base that is beyond South Africa’s borders and the African continent. We also want to innovate and broaden the base of modern African indigenous textiles and fashion.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing my dreams come to life, seeing customers enjoy and celebrate the beauty of African design through our product range, and creating value for customers through our unique designs, providing skills opportunities to unemployed/self employed designers and artists. Providing skills opportunities to unemployed/self employed designers and artists. And, creating a platform for young women to develop and excel through being employed at Egoli Textile Designs.
"It is our desire to create a lasting legacy of African heritage fashion that celebrates the true beauty of women and men all over the world."
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
This is the moment to shine, don’t wait for tomorrow, live your dreams today!
Contact or follow Egoli Textile Designs
WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL info@egolitextiles.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
Africa has such an incredible design aesthetic, both traditional and contemporary, but often the best of that design is not shared with the world due to lack of access to global markets. But that is about to change with the passionate South African entrepreneur, Sinoneliso Xaba, who is taking her love of African textiles and design and making it accessible to a new generation of consumers around the world. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa