Moms and daughters alike know what fun fashion and shopping for great clothes can be, and Narcissi Madisha, founder of Kameo Kids, has just the brand for them. She is creating fashionable yet comfortable clothes for young girls who want to express their own individual style from a young age.
LoA found out more about this girlswear fashionpreneur building a great proudly South African brand this month.
What does your company do?
At Kameo Kids we manufacture and sell Girlswear, from ages 2-12 years. We are based in Durban, South Africa. All our clothing items are produced locally from imported fabrics. Customers can find our ranges at the KNZSA Gallery in Glenwood and DFF Emporium store at Mega. We host about 3 pop-up shops a month, please follow our social media handles for latest information.
"I was inspired by my daughter. I wanted her to look stylish, comfortable but different at the same time. I just couldn't find items that would give me all 3 aspects in one."
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired by my daughter. I wanted her to look stylish, comfortable but different at the same time. I just couldn't find items that would give me all 3 aspects in one. I find everything to be the same from one shop to the next. When my youngest daughter was born the inspiration grew more. I did research and realized that there is a gap in the market and Kameo Kids was established in 2013.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our brand is designed and manufactured locally. By supporting our brand, customers will be helping us feed more families. Our staying in business means less kids going to bed hungry. Be loyal and support local. When you buy from a local brand you make real people happy. Kameo Kids clothes for girls are something each girl is dreaming of. Girls would think over their look for the next day to look stylish and at the same time to stay comfortable. This is precisely what this brand is all about – creating cool and super stylish garments for little ones, so they have a closet filled with all things necessary.
"Our brand is designed and manufactured locally. By supporting our brand, customers will be helping us feed more families."
Tell us a little about your team
I am the Head Designer for Kameo Kids. I graduated with a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from the Tswane University of Technology. The team is made up of me, me and me, however I am looking at getting an assistant soon. I work with different factories that manufacture for us as most work is outsourced.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have strong business acumen with 13 years’ experience in Retail Buying in both Fashion and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) from some of the biggest retailers in the country. I started my buying career in 2003 as an Assistant buyer. I have worked in Clothing in Baby, Kids & Teens and Ladieswear departments. I grew up in Tzaneen, Limpopo to an entrepreneurial family but more in the farming sector. We have sold anything from Bananas to Chickens, Mangoes and Litchees. Though it was not done as an informal business, I learnt a lot from planting a seed to seeing a plant bearing fruits to managing deliveries and funds and mostly dealing with customers. I also acquired qualifications in Human Resources and Sales & Marketing.
"I have plans to export our products to as many countries as we possibly can and to finally print our own fabrics in the country so that the whole value chain is South Africa based."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like Kameo Kids to be amongst the top 5 children's wear companies in the country in the next 5-10 years. I would like to birth as many women entrepreneurs that would span for generations, this will be achieved by hiring women only in our company and training them to start sustainable companies. I have plans to export our products to as many countries as we possibly can and to finally print our own fabrics in the country so that the whole value chain is South Africa based.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
This is the most challenging journey by far. I get satisfaction from finally seeing the garments made up and the smile on our little customer's faces when their parents purchase our products for them.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
If you plan to go into business, choose something that you are absolutely passionate about. The passion will carry you through when the going gets tough. I still get joy from sitting behind the machine and making a special piece as I do designing the special pieces.
Contact or follow Kameo Kids
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL narcissi@live.com
Why LoA loves it….
In the world of fashion, finding a niche is all important, and for the talented and creative entrepreneur, Narcissi Madisha, and her great kids fashion brand Kameo Kids, she has that niche covered. She is winning over young fans and moms alike with her fabulous designs and great wearability, all celebrating a unique South African style. This is a kidswear brand to watch on the African continent over the coming months and years. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa