Laduma Ngxokolo / Designer / MaXhosa Africa Brand Owner
Your brand MaXhosa Africa, what would you say is its ex-factor?
The patterns, which is what makes it distinctive and recognizable by consumers. The quality too.
How long did it take you to get to where you are today?
This was always my life plan. I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now, since the start of the business, this was always the plan, and I just didn’t know it would get to where it is now, as quickly as it did.
Coming 2 America, how did the collaboration happen?
The costume designer Ruth E. Carter contacted me two years ago and told me she’d been following my work for some years and would love to collaborate with me. A month later, she contacted me again and told me she’s working on the Coming 2 America movie and would love to work with me. Of course I said yes. The movie is a classic and the work I’ve showcased will still live on even after my time.
How does a typical day look for an international brand such as yours?
I wake up and get to work at 7AM every day, by then everyone is already at work when I arrive. All the departments usually have meetings the entire day and we make sure we’re always aligned.
As a business, what have you taken from the pandemic?
One of the lessons I learned is that saving is very important and knowing where you are positioned as a business in the industry. Human Resources is very valuable within a business and the sustainability of a business comes a lot from how the employees are treated.
What would you say South Africa is doing right in the clothing/textile industry?
The labour laws, we’re doing that right. Financial support from the government we’re doing right and a lot of designers are defining their own DNA and we’re standing out as a country.
Ever get creative block or lack of inspiration?
I hardly ever get those…instead, I get too many ideas to produce so I have had to learn how to cut down and focus on certain things at a time. I still design everything myself but I’m training my team to assist with that.
Any collaborations you’d still like to take on?
Yes, more within the lifestyle space. Crockery brands, appliances brands, etc.
Any inspirational advice you’d like to give to people seeking to be in your industry?
Know what your purpose is. Whatever path you choose will determine your level of passion for it. Education plays a big role in knowing the industry you operate in. Work hard, that even beats talented people when they are not working hard enough.
Follow Laduma & MaXhosa!
Instagram: @laduma / @maxhosa
Twitter: @LadumaNgxokolo / @MaXhosaAfrica
Facebook: @LudaNgxokolo / @MAXHOSA
-Bridgette Makhela
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