The Face Behind Skwena Local Brand
Tell us about yourself
I am Pondie Alefeng born and raised in Molepolole, a multitalented young man of 33 years old and the founder of Skwena brand.
Tell us in about the brand ‘Skwena’
About Skwena brand, I have used my original picture to display the Skwena dance which is popularly known as phathisi. The name Skwena means a life style that generalizes that of a Mokwena in a proper way that is acceptable in the society of Bakwena. I made it unique by taking out the letter (E) in the Sekwena word.
What was the motive behind your business?
Since I didn’t do well at school, I have always wanted to do something that will leave a mark in the industry that I grew in, which is the entertainment industry and I wanted to have something that will give me dignity.
Before I introduced my brand to the industry, I was a traditional dancer and I worked with the likes of Ditiro Leero, Matsieng and Mmurubele doing the phathisi dance.
When did your business start?
I started my business on the 14th of July, 2018.
How is your business doing in the market?
The business has been doing well because people like the brand and its uniqueness. The only problem is the national crisis of Covid-19 pandemic, my business has been affected too due to closing of the entertainment industry but hopefully things will go back to normal because we have now resumed sales.
Why did you choose this type of business?
I chose it because I grew up having love for branding specially clothing, now am happy that I used my own image to make it.
Who sponsored you to start this kind of business?
I just started from zero with no connections or sponsor’s. I just hustled hard to be where I am right now and I am happy about it.
How different are you from your competitors?
I am unique because my brand speaks culture and I used Setswana word and my diverse styles of printing keeps me winning because am not duplicating the design and the quality of the material I use is the best.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I haven’t got more achievements accept that I’m getting more connection. I was part of Ditiro Leero-Morwa Tsankana crew that went to represent Botswana in Vietnam 2019 at (Hanoi City) so I believe that I will achieve more when time goes on. Right now am still working on making connections and marketing the brand abroad the best is yet to come.
What strategies do you use to keep your brand going?
I use social media to market my brand; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and I do digital branding. I have accounts there and I get good results. The other thing is that I connect with celebrities to market my brand and they help me to push the sales. I dressed Ditiro Leero Mmurubele Mhele production and MorwaTsankana and am still looking forward to work with more.
What is the most difficult part about your business?
Tracing people who fake our brand is the most difficult thing to do and they keep coming and to rob us clients.
What makes you to wake up every day to go to your business?
I have a baby that I don’t want to see suffering like I did in my life and I want her to take over when am no more so I have to keep the brand alive no matter what.
Where do you see your business in future?
I want to wake up one day owning a factory where I will be doing my products from scratch and supplying to local clothing shops & boutiques. I also want to introduce a Skwena festival annual event, just to preserve culture for the next generation.
If you could choose any job anywhere, where would it be?
Anything to do with entertainment, be it TV presenter, Radio presenter or any reality show host that’s where my passion is.
Duncan Sebeso
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