Thandeka Ntuli, 27, from the village of Kameelrivier in Mpumalanga is making her mark as a designer with her unique handmade beaded shoes.
In 2014, while working as an electrician at the Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco), the self-taught designer started experimenting with different designs.
What you should keep in your handbag
“After I started work as an electrician, I realised that I actually wanted to pursue a career in sewing.
"Growing up with my grandparents, my grandpa would always make clothes for us and even do alterations to our school uniforms,” says Ntuli.
Beaded strapped high heeled sandals by Thandeka the Fashionista.
She taught herself clothing design by watching YouTube tutorials which showed her the basics in the field.
Soon after, the Thandeka the Fashionista clothing brand was born.
It's inspired by her Ndebele culture and specialises in traditional clothes and beaded shoes.
Thandeka Ntuli.
The idea of beaded shoes was born a month ago while Thandeka planned her outfit for a friend’s wedding.
“I wanted to wear unique shoes to match my outfit. I decided to add beads on my shoes and people loved it and started placing orders,” she says.
Within just a month, the footwear produced by Thandeka the Fashionista's shoes division is in such demand that Ntuli has had to hire an extra set of hands.
High heeled shoes by Thandeka the Fashionista.
Her dream client is Idols judge Unathi Msengana.
Meanwhile, she has already dressed the likes of Mariechan Luiters of Jamali and Ikwekezi FM presenter Letty Nyathe Chilli, and she is currently designing a full outfit for Miss Limpopo 2018 contestant Pearl Daniels.
Her ultimate aim is to sell the shoes at leading fashion outlets.
* Connect with Thandeka Ntuli via Instagram