In the world of business, every woman executive wants to look good and feel confident when they present themselves to their clients and to their staff in the workplace. But often, finding that perfectly fitting and great looking suit or item of formalwear, can be difficult, especially when time is a scarce commodity. In South Africa, that’s where Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts, comes to the rescue. Her bespoke approach to tailoring means that clients’ individual clothing needs are met in a stress free way.
LoA chatted to founder Mati Malema this month to find out more about this highly personalized service and company.
What does your company do?
At Ukulu Clothing Concepts, we tailor make ladies suits and corporate formal wear.
“I saw a gap and I entered into the market to serve women in business, corporate and special occasions, because I believe the way a person presents themselves can build or break their brand.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I love looking good and presentable at all times, yet most times I don't get fashionable yet presentable suits and formal wear in the shops. I saw a gap and I entered into the market to serve women in business, corporate and special occasions, because I believe the way a person presents themselves can build or break their brand.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We tailor make our clothes according to our clients’ needs and we offer personal consultations.
Tell us a little about your team
We are a team of 3 Ladies and one man. Lerato Faith as a sales consultant, Nella Petronella as a model, Alex our Designer, myself as founder and managing director.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I started my journey as an entrepreneur 7 years ago by making scones and selling them. Later, I ran an events company and a day care centre. They all contributed a lot towards my journey as an entrepreneur and building a sustainable business. In 2019, I launched into the fashion industry with my clothing brand Ukulu.
“We tailor make our clothes according to our clients’ needs and we offer personal consultations.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans are to build a value chain for my company and make an exciting shopping experience for my clients. My aspirations are to be found in every corner of your shopping spree.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Being able to meet my client’s needs. Being able to employ someone and put food on their table.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Never miss an opportunity to show up! Get rid of fear! Bring your ideas, products or services to the market, let us criticize them, go back home, re-invent and improve, come back with them to the market! That’s how we grow....
Contact or follow Ukulu Clothing Concepts
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL emmaculate.malema@yahoo.com
Why LoA loves it….
Bespoke tailoring has always been popular amongst businesspeople in the world’s commercial capitals, and increasingly so amongst women in business, who need to both look good and stand out from the crowd. So it is no surprise that in South Africa, leading businesswomen should start thinking about getting bespoke suits and formal wear made for their own business and image building journeys. Mati Malema is building a niche business that is ready and able to serve this growing client base. Definitely a business for all busy, image conscious women executives to consider when planning their next corporate wardrobe purchases. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa