BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MBABANE – Fashion designer by day and actress by passion, Sonia Raphael blends creativity, resilience, and vision in everything she does.
At just 29, Sonia Sibahle Raphael is living a dual creative life, balancing her passion for fashion design with her growing interest in acting. Based in Mbabane’,she is a full-time fashion designer known for her whimsical, feminine style, and a part-time actress who appeared in the popular This Life drama series, which aired on Eswatini TV in 2024.
“My love for fashion started way back in primary school,” she says. “I officially started sewing in 2018, after realizing I could turn my drawings and clothing ideas into something real.” With global trends and her personal experiences as her muse, Raphael crafts pieces that blend modern aesthetics with cultural touches, using texture and print to create standout looks.
Though her focus is on women’s wear, she’s slowly stepping into menswear, constantly evolving with her craft. “Fashion for me is about uniqueness and emotion. I want the person wearing my design to feel confident, different, and understood.”
Her acting role in This Life marked a new chapter. Though she considers acting more of a side passion, she cherishes the opportunity to explore storytelling on screen. “Being part of that series was exciting,” she shares. “It helped me express creativity in another form.”
After earning a diploma in Information and Technology (IT), Raphael found it hard to break into the job market, so she turned her side hobby into her main hustle. “I prayed, I worked hard, and sewing became my full-time path,” she says. “It taught me that passion and persistence can open unexpected doors.”
Looking ahead, she envisions owning her own boutique and showcasing at festivals like Makoti, Bushfire, and Luju. “These platforms can really boost visibility and connect me with new clients,” she says. Her dream is showcasing her designs in France, the world’s fashion capital.
Raphael’s advice to aspiring creatives is simple yet powerful: “Pray, act, and never let the competitiveness of your industry scare you off. If it’s your calling, give it your all and you’ll make it.”
For bookings, contact 768873229 / 79593811
Facebook: Raphael Sania
Instagram: Sonia Sibahle
Sonia Raphael’s journey exemplifies how passion and perseverance can lead to success in multiple creative fields.
