A young and aspiring fashion designer by the name of Nkosinathi Masina and founder of Nathi Custom Jeans from Duduza started Nathi Custom Jean (NCJ) in 2018 when he realised that he loved fashion and through that he can start his own brand.
Masina told Ekurhuleni News that “I started by customising my old jeans by cutting them, adding stripes and zips. People then loved the style and they also gave me their jeans so that I can design them, as I noticed that my services was in demand, I then decided to start my own business called Nathi Custom Jean. The love and support I received from people prompted me to start my own fashion label which is Nathi Custom Jeans. I always say how you dress represents who you are and you can always dress up for any occassion. I decided to be in the fashion industry because I saw a gap in the clothing textile industry in South Africa. I am genuinely passionate about clothes; hence I’m enjoying this journey.”
Masina also mentioned that “the only thing that drives me is the impactful role that I want to play in the world. As a young person it is important to play a major role, one way or the other. I am a self-taught designer, as I taught myself everything from designing, sketching and sewing through YouTube Channels.”
The challenge that Masina faced is that he had to do everything on his own since he wanted people to believe in his brand. Because he believed in what he wanted, he had to multitask on his own he designs, sketches, sews and delivers his customised or designed clothes. For the longest time he did that on his own. Masina adds that “currently we have employed three people under NCJ.”Masina encourages people to choose one thing and go for it, you must choose something that you love and focus on it, give all your best every day and improve every single day as well.
By Vuyokazi Bam
