Self-taught designer shines

Phokwane

 

Mother of three Maureen Madingoaneng hailing from Phokwane within Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) said she is living her best life.

She is one of those lucky people who discovered their talent at a young age, advantage of that being, she had an opportunity to shape and explore her craft at an early age.

She is designing school uniforms, face masks, traditional clothes, wedding dresses, suit and school bags.

Maureen Madingoaneng said she moved to Jane Furse in January 2021 to render her business there.

Her business premise is located at Jane Furse, a less than 1km walk from Zebro’s fast food towards Jane Furse plaza.

“All along I was rendering my services at home but I had to come out to explore other adventures.” she explained.

“As young as I was, after discovering my talent, I never looked back instead I focused on polishing my art, with family support I managed to get here.”  said Maureen.

She grew up loving elegant clothes but because of finances, was unable to afford them.

“I don’t have any academic career to pursue because I have already discovered my talent and skill, I only need to nature it and it will blossom” said Maureen.

During her 16 years of marriage, every time she and her husband watch TV she would see something beautiful and tell her husband that she would like to design it.

She would go further as to design garments she sees in the magazines.

“As a child I remember doing something silly. I once ripped my new pair of trouser just to see how it was made but I had to hide it so my mother wouldn’t see or suspect anything,” she amused.

She said at first she was being called a ‘chance taker’ until she designed a beautiful dress and her father rewarded her by buying a new sewing machine.

Despite shaping her craft she would write gospel music songs because she loves God.

“I had more than 100 gospel songs. I love God,” as she explains her love for Gospel music.

On the negative she is not happy of the fact that she not making enough money to pay rent but she wishes to one day own a piece of land so she can build a secure and safe place to work.

She said she was hired to design curtains but she decided to leave that job because she felt like she was neglecting her art.

“Actually I am not the one to work for other people, they should work for me,” she said.

She however faces other challenges in her business, at this moment she only has one sewing machine which enables her to finish orders in time.

The 37 years old is sometimes assisted by her younger focused brother and a young intelligent lady called Mikey Ntladi.

“You see this young lady she voluntarily decided to join me. She wanted to acquire design skill and so far she is doing great,” determined self-taught design said.

“I am seeking assistance from good Samaritans to donate equipment like sewing machine and materials.”

She also turned down some young people who wanted to volunteer at her stand because she lacks equipment.

Mickey said Maureen inspires her because she allowed her to gain valuable experience at her stand for free.

“I wish to see her business grow, and for that to be so we need everyone and anyone to assist us with equipment or even a sponsor,” she said.