#WIB – Q&A With Thobeka Nene Owner Of Thiago Madam

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

Thiago Madam is a clothing company, we design and manufacture new trendy Phinifa’s. Amaphinifa are garments that have been part of our lives for generations, and we found a way to be fun and expressive not limiting our cliental personalities.

2. When how and why did you start your business?

Thiago Madam was established in August 2021 by our founder Thobeka Nene. Thiago madam is inspired by every south African woman that loves wearing amaphinifa which has been part of our lives for generations and I personally still love to wearing them especially my grandparents. We live in a generation whereby we love keeping the essence of tradition with some modern elements to fit our ever-changing lifestyle and that where we come in.

3. What is your role in the business?

I am the CEO of company and I also personally design and manufacture all our products.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

I currently hold one degree and two certificates, I obtained my first degree at the University of the Free State in Corporate Marketing and Communications, I later then obtained my certificate in garment design at Nosi Tyras Designs and Academy, and I also currently hold my certificate in a training course that was held in Fujian, in Garment Design and Manufacturing.

5. How did you finance your business?

I have been financing the business myself as I currently don’t have any investors.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

Hahaha I don’t think I have an average workday, but basically it would consist with me confirming my client’s orders and group them according to when they are due, I then go fabric shopping I’m always out and about looking for new fabrics that will ensure that my clients always stand out I go back to my work space and sew or come up with new designs if I’m not too busy creating a master piece.

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

Well, that’s a hard one because I sometimes find myself working or mind is just constantly thinking about work even when I’m supposed to be at home relaxing, my sisters literally always have to shout at me so that we can spend quality time together. A close friend of mine Nolwazi Mdaka even made a joke saying that she’s sure that even when I’m sleeping all I hear is the sound of the sewing machine and weirdly I think she’s right.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

Our main mandate is to ensure that every fabric we choose, the colour, comfort and style of our designs directly affect our client’s level of confidence. our client’s satisfaction when they receive their garments their happiness makes it worth it and that drives me to work hard so that more women may experience the same satisfaction and to ensure that they feel that each Thiago Madam design is specially tailored for them.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Hhhmmm I wouldn’t really say that I have a specific place that I go to when I need to come up with new ideas, most of them have been so random or stem from a vintage garment then I just find new ways of giving it that Thiago Madam modern touch and love.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

I normally make use of Thiago Madams social media platforms and my family cause wow I have the best family; they have been my biggest supporters so they always make sure that they promote my business on their social media platforms (not sure if that counts hahaha) and word of mouth of course from happy clients that’s been my main form of advertising.

11. What is next for your business?

There is a lot that I have planned but for now venturing into the men’s and kiddies range is what’s next for now, can’t have women be the ones only looking good in Thiago.

12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?

My advice would be always making sure that your goal and vision is clear as day to you cause when challenges come and people have their negative comments you can easily give up when your goals and visions are not clear, at the end of the day no one can see the vision the way you do. And if you wish to accomplish your goal you cannot do it alone that’s why it is important to have the right team to help you.

Short Bio

A business woman, artist manager, a designer and an inspiration are a few titles that encompass who Thobeka Nene is. Thobeka Nene was born in Melmoth and raised in Newcastle, Kwa Zulu Natal, Thobeka has become a business wunderkind coupling her studies in Marketing and Corporate Communication, and completed her Ministry of Commerce course on Clothing and Garment Design and Manufacturing in China. In the year 2021 Thobeka ventured into fashion design which gave birth to Thiago Madam which specialises in designing new trendy phinifa’s with the aim to grow her market.

Philanthropy

Thobeka is the cofounder of Ijongo Festival which is the home for philanthropy projects. The foundation has seen the need for school shoes, sanitary towels and school jerseys for children in impoverished areas. Ijongo fest plans to assist young people who are underprivileged with educational needs and resources.

Connect with Thiago Madam:

Facebook: Thiagomadam

Instagram: thiagomadam

TikTok: thiagomadam

thiagomadam@gmail.com