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

Shannon Esra On Her Journey, New Show Lioness And Various Acting Roles

Shannon Earle Esrechowitz (better known as Shannon Esra) / Actor, Writer & Artist

How did your journey in the industry begin?

I was 15 years old when I began presenting for TV. A year after that, I was cast in ‘I Dreamed of Africa’ with Kim Basinger, thanks to my high school Drama teacher, Janet Bayliss and South African casting agent, Christa Shamberger-Young.

You’ve played so many characters on South African television, how do you prepare for each role?

I approach every script the same way – I read it three times: firstly, to get a feeling for the story; secondly, as an investigator – looking for clues about my character – what are people saying about her, what does she say about herself, what are her fears, passions and motivations; and then thirdly, for pure enjoyment. Then it’s a matter of collaboration with the various departments. Who is she? How does she dress? What does she look like? How does she move? I like to work with the elements and the animal kingdom to root the energies of the people I portray. It’s a fun process. It really is like moulding clay. 

Lioness is currently on MNet on Thursdays, what can viewers look forward to in the storyline?

The revelations at the end of every episode are so powerful! But other than that, I really cannot say…can’t set off any “spoiler alerts”!

You’ve been on prominent and loved TV shows such as The River, Gomora, The Throne, and Isidingo…how does an actress maintain consistent work in the industry?

Honestly, by the grace of God. Everything that comes to us, as human beings, is what the universe needs us to experience. I believe each job comes by way of what I need to encounter. 

What do you love about acting?

I love how I get to experience another human being on any given day; how I am granted access into other worlds and mind-sets; how I get to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and by virtue of that, I get to stretch my capacity for love and understanding. Acting is very holistic, for me, personally. I can play pretend and create other worlds. It’s the best job on the planet!

One talent people don’t know you have?

I can tie a cherry stalk into a knot with just my tongue.

What do you hope to ultimately achieve in 2021?

Tranquility and peace of mind. I would love to shoot a couple of movies, maybe another series or two, and also, the odd painting here and there. That would be great! 

How would you like to be remembered?

As funny, kind, and passionate. 

Follow Shannon!

Instagram: @shannonesra_official

Twitter: @ShannonEsra

Facebook: @ShannonEsraOfficial

-Bridgette Makhela