By Mduduzi Khathwane (Intern)
MBABANE – In the heart of Thembelihle, Mbabane, a remarkable transformation has blossomed. Mrs. Celiwe Dlamini, once a Trade Marketer at MTN Eswatini, has masterfully navigated a period of sick leave in 2022 to unearth a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. During her time away from work, a captivating passion ignited within her: the art of crafting exquisite fascinators. With nimble fingers and an eye for detail, she began transforming simple materials like wires, beads, feathers, crystals, and those elegant, pearl-like beads into stunning headpieces.
The spark for this creative journey was kindled within the supportive community of the Assemblies of God Church in Mbabane. Every Thursday, women gathered not only for prayer but also to generously share their diverse skills. It was here that Dlamini first learned the foundational techniques that would later define her success.
Initially, Dlamini didn’t envision her newfound hobby evolving into a business venture. However, the unwavering encouragement of her sister, a talented fashion designer, kept her creative flame burning. Driven by curiosity and a desire to refine her skills, Dlamini immersed herself in the world of online tutorials, diligently watching YouTube videos to hone her fascinator-making prowess.
A pivotal moment arrived one Sunday when a fellow church member, captivated by a fascinator Dlamini was wearing, requested a custom design. This simple request became the catalyst, igniting Celiwe’s confidence and propelling her to start offering her unique creations to a wider audience.
In 2024, Dlamini made the decisive leap, officially transforming her beloved hobby into a thriving business. Investing her personal savings, she began crafting bespoke fascinators designed to empower women with confidence and undeniable style.
Her business has flourished through the power of social media. Dlamini strategically utilises WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase her captivating designs. These platforms have become vital avenues for customer discovery, with many reaching out directly to place personalized orders.
According to Dlamini, her customers often arrive brimming with ideas for their desired headwear. “People have such diverse tastes and preferences. Some envision themselves as glamorous ‘rich aunts’,” she playfully remarks. Dlamini emphasises the importance of attentive listening and offers insightful advice to ensure each client is absolutely delighted with the final masterpiece. Her ultimate goal is for every woman wearing her designs to feel truly special and radiant.
Like many entrepreneurs navigating the small business landscape, Dlamini encounters her share of challenges. Occasionally, customers request fascinators incorporating expensive materials. However, with her resourcefulness and creative problem-solving, she skillfully guides them toward affordable yet equally stunning alternatives.
Looking ahead, Dlamini harbours ambitious dreams for her business over the next five years. She aspires to become the recognized go-to expert for fascinators and a diverse range of accessories. Excitingly, she also plans to expand her collection to include elegant necklaces, further enhancing her offerings.
Dlamini’s inspiring journey stands as a powerful testament to the fact that even challenging times can pave the way for remarkable opportunities. Today, she proudly embraces her identity as a successful businesswoman, serving as an inspiration to others to pursue their passions and embrace the unexpected paths life may offer.
#EswatiniBusiness #SupportLocal #FascinatorFashion #Entrepreneurship #FromSickLeaveToSuccess
