The southern town of Hlatikulu serves as the ancestral and personal foundation for one of the nation’s rising creative forces, Thulawazi Candy Dlamini.
Born Thulazi, the designer underwent a subtle name change during her early academic years when school teachers began addressing her as Thulawazi.
‘I guess they did not like the original name’. Her educational journey commenced at Christ The King Primary School and continued through Hlatikulu Central Primary and Hlatikulu Central High. She eventually completed her secondary education at Salem High School.
Driven by a commitment to empowerment and education, Dlamini is also a qualified primary school teacher.
However, the influence of her upbringing remains a central pillar of her professional identity. Raised in a large household with numerous siblings, she maintains a close bond with both her parents, “which personally I consider a blessing”.
Her father operates a kombi business while her mother works as a tailor. It is from her mother that Dlamini inherited the technical aptitude and creative flair that would eventually lead her away from the classroom and toward the sewing machine.
A Full-Time Commitment to Craft
At present, Dlamini has fully transitioned into the world of professional tailoring and fashion design. “I create whatever my customers desire,” says Dlamini. Her portfolio includes the construction of prom dresses, Lobola attire and church gowns, alongside bespoke garments designed for specific individual requirements. She also manages a steady flow of alterations, ensuring that her services are accessible to a broad demographic of customers.
Her design philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for the aesthetic world. She is defined by an eye for beauty found in nature and people.
According to Dlamini, the process of creating a garment and witnessing the subsequent joy and appreciation from a client is a rewarding experience. This connection between the designer’s vision and the wearer’s satisfaction serves as a primary motivator for her continued work in the industry.
Entrepreneurial Journey
The transition to entrepreneurship was motivated by a desire for independence and a steadfast belief in personal dreams.
Dlamini asserts that her nature as a ‘big dreamer’ makes it difficult to work toward someone else’s goals when she could be achieving her own.
Her business model extends beyond the borders of Eswatini, as she regularly procures various products from South Africa to sell locally. “These range from beauty products and hats to designer sneakers and other accessories, often fulfilling specific orders for my clients.”
Despite her drive, the path has presented several challenges.
Dlamini identifies a significant hurdle in the local market: The prevailing preference for international retail labels over unique, locally designed pieces. She observes that while some consumers are hesitant to move away from major shop brands, there is a gradual shift as more women begin to appreciate the value of custom creations.
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