So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.
I discovered the divine Trinity Clothing and knew I had to share! Their clothing is stunning – made locally here in Durban, South Africa. Every item is contemporary yet timeless and will make you feel beautiful.
Please follow them on both Facebook and Instagram, they would appreciate this love and support. And check out their website and shop online! They make the most gorgeous items – from dresses, to shirts, to trousers and skirts, so many options.
We chatted to the lovely Mandie Martin and she had this to say!
Tell us a bit about your business?
Trinity, South Africa was founded in 2014 because I couldn’t find comfortable but “stylish” locally made clothing. I saw the gap and took the plunge. I employed a few awesome South African seamstresses and we have not looked back. At Trinity we are passionate about keeping things local, designing simple but beautifully made garments, each piece has purpose and a lasting appeal. How clothing feels against the skin is crucial, meaning natural fibres are key to the design philosophy especially in our hot South African climate. At Trinity we also believe beautiful, well made garments do not need to be over priced.
Top three learnings I have had to find out the hard way since starting my business?
Being an arty type I don’t have much of a numbers brain so I believe it is important to get financial advise right from the beginning, have a plan, know what you want but plan carefully.
I also learnt not everyone is going to love what we do and this is okay. It was definitely a learning curve to not take everything personally.
Be patient not everything goes the way you want but, through patience and work hard all things are possible.
Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
Five years is so far away. Getting through lockdown and COVID is going to be a major achievement in itself. But my hope is that our online store will go from strength to strength. We want to make sure we offer our clients value for money garments without compromising on quality. We also want to make sure we offer great service where our customers enjoy their shopping experience.
There is nothing more exciting than receiving a beautiful parcel in the post that turns out to be a gorgeous well crafted garment that you are going to treasure.
What is your advice to individuals out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Go for it! I am a firm believer that competition only makes us stronger. Be prepared to work harder than you have ever worked but if you are passionate about something it makes it all worthwhile.
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?
I get to do what I love, I wake up every morning feeling grateful that I am able to be creative and make beautiful things.
I get to work with my awesome all women team at Trinity who are so talented and dedicated to what they do.
I sometimes have to remind myself that I am so lucky to enjoy what I do.
How has lockdown affected you and your team?
Lockdown has been hard on us. We lost a vital person in our little team to this awful pandemic, but, we are being positive and we are taking one day at a time.
Businesses everywhere are suffering so why should it be any different for us? But I am a positive person who believes that this to shall pass and through the generosity of our awesome clients out there we will persevere. So watch this space and thank you for your kind support. Xx
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