Laduma Ngxokolo On MaXhosa Brand, Coming 2 America Movie And The Clothing Industry

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

Thabang Molaba: The Actor, Model And Upcoming Stylist

Thabang Molaba / 23 / Actor, Model, venturing into Styling

Explain how the journey to where you are now has been…

It’s been a very difficult journey of rejection, failure and sometimes success. I’m actually glad I never gave up. Besides that, all the struggles and failure I endured, were preparing me for a great reward which is currently unfolding.

You’re a model and actor, has this always been on the cards for you?

Yes, especially with acting, that’s where my heart is.

What would you be doing if you were not in the industry?

I’d probably be with a team of architects putting together a sketch of a building about to be built.

How’s your daily routine like?

Very busy. Filled with spiritual, physical and mental activities. And a day doesn’t end without me getting busy with anything that has to do with acting and drama.

You’ve recently done work with Ferguson Films via The Queen, any valuable lessons learnt there?

I learnt that you need to be firmly present and be there for yourself.

Had you ever done acting before?

I had drama plays in my hometown’s youth club. However, The Queen was my first Television acting gig.

How do you keep focused in your line of work?

I try my best to shut out the distractions. I keep myself present in the now. Give everything in the process instead of the results.

What’s that pinnacle you’d love to reach one day?

I want to be an award-winning actor, it could be any type of award. I want to be in Hollywood productions and projects. I want to play the Marvel superhero ‘Black Panther’ someday. More than anything, I’d like to maintain a constant stupendous improvement in my craft of acting.

Motivation and inspiration, were do you draw them from?

I probably have the most motivated and determined friends in the world. We inspire each other to constantly do great and better. And of course my acting coach Patricia Boyer, she is truly amazing. Other than that, I get it from watching good classic movies and theater plays, interviews and series.

How was 2017 for you and any big things you’re looking forward to this year?

2017 was honestly an amazing year for me. Everything only began to fall into place. It was the beginning for me. A great start. In 2018 I’m looking forward to my comeback on The Queen and a small role I did for Ring Of Lies. That’s all I know of so far, however I know for a fact that 2018 is going to be a year that’s impeccably great. I am excited.

Follow Thabang!

Instagram: @thabangmolaba_

Twitter: @ThabangMolaba_

Facebook: Thabang Molaba

–Bridgette Makhela

K Naomi On Her Dreams, Achievements And The Road To Success

Keitumetse Naomi Noinyane / 25 / TV Personality / MC / Brand Ambassador / Brand Strategist & Consultant

First thing’s first, how was Coachella 2017 girl?!

Coachella was amazing, thank you. Probably one of the best trips I’ve ever gone on. World class setup, music and productions. More than anything, an eye opener to the opportunities the world has to offer.

How amazing is it being selected to join the Maybelline It Girls Global Campaign?

It’s an honour. The opportunity came by surprise, I’m also the only African female in the Global Girls Group. It’s pretty exciting in many ways and an awesome campaign to be a part of.

You’ve recently also teamed up with the Reebok family, how close is the #PrettyLethal campaign to your heart?

Being a Reebok ambassador also came by surprise, it’s awesome being part of an international classic brand that aligns with the type of brand I’m mounding K Naomi to be. Pretty Lethal is an awesome female empowering campaign that made sense to my intentions of inspiring females and it’s also awesome to contribute through a campaign that can actively change lives and more than anything, highlight the importance of females, their unity and their safety. Reebok definitely created a campaign that non have done and it’s an absolute privilege that I carry it too.

Your schedule seems pretty hectic, how do you find balance?

Finding balance is quite hard but I always make sure I make time for myself to reflect and just be. I listen to a lot of music so that’s helped me through my career and just being in my own space.

Your secret to always keeping in shape is?

Gym, eat healthy, gym, mind your own business, gym, work hard.

All your achievements to date, has this always been your dream?

Some of my achievements have been dreams and others I consider ‘extras’. I always set goals, there are so many to still achieve but I’m working on them. So far everything has been a blessing, but my dreams are bigger than where I am currently.

How long has the road to success been for you?

I’m not even successful yet, I haven’t hit that peak or reached that level of confidently saying I’m successful. I’m still wishing my journey, it’s been long but worthwhile.

Only one can be chosen, which one…Fashion, Make-Up or Traveling?

Traveling!

Do you live to inspire or to be inspired?

I live to inspire.

Follow K Naomi!

Instagram: @knaomin

Twitter: KNaomi_N

Facebook: K Naomi N

–Bridgette Makhela