Thando Mtsweni (24) started her printing and embroidery business called ‘Wonderink Boutique’ in 2018, it is based in Benoni CBD.
Thando’s business started as a print shop. They printed on gift sets. She later decided to expand her business’ services and she added an embroidery service in 2019. “I was generally into gifts, so I got my inspiration from producing personalised gifts and I realised that we cannot only focus on one aspect but we can expand the company and introduce branding wholesomely as the company’s concept,” Mtsweni elucidated.
Youth day to a young entrepreneur like Thando means that she can remember what she has achieved and she can also be reminded of the dedication she has invested into her business. Thando urges the youth to make youth day memorable and assure people that anyone can accomplish anything if they set their principle into their dreams. Wonderink Boutique is currently carrying out a charity drive, they are donating clothes across organisations within the East Rand.
Thando’s business is unique from other print stores because it does not only focus on printing it also provides personalised gifts. “I was always fascinated by the idea of being able to produce a personalised product because it makes the gift unique,” Thando stated. Wonderink’s next goal is to see the brand prevailing internationally.
The business is a success for several reasons, Wonderink Boutique uses social media marketing, door to door sales, they offer affordable prices, and the store is located in Benoni where there’s less competition in terms of embroidery so Wonderink Boutique stands out amongst its competitors.
As part of the youth day celebration, Thando is endorsing a competition for young entrepreneurs to share how the Coronavirus has impacted their businesses, “the competitors stand a chance to win free branded uniforms to the value of one thousand rand (R1000),” Thando announced. Mtsweni believes it is important for businesses to celebrate youth day. “Youth day should be encouraged by businesses to youngsters, youngsters should use youth day as an opportunity to dream big, our unemployment rate is very high. Youth day should be a form of motivation to the youth,” Thando concluded.
By Karabo Lekgwate
