One More Question

Tshepo Mohlala — TSHEPO Jeans: Building a conscious company from the ground up

Episode Summary

In Episode #24 of One More Question, Ross sits down with Tshepo Mohlala, the founder of proudly South African denim brand, TSHEPO Jeans. After dropping out of University, Tshepo Mohlala focussed on the art and the craft of jean-making. He launched TSHEPO Jeans in 2015, after taking a loan of R8000 to make 100 pairs of Jeans and recognising the dearth of South African denim brands. Ross and Tshepo chat about his business philosophies and how TSHEPO Jeans works to support their community. This episode gives great insight into how businesses can work to achieve a greater outcome than just turning a profit, becoming a part of the communities that surround them.

Episode Notes

Highlights from the conversation:

• I realised that if you want to touch people, just tell them a story and they will never forget you
• It's easy for me to be in a business where I sell jeans and it's all about money-making. But when you have a big idea, a bigger purpose that's what keeps us going, that's what builds companies that's what builds big brands
• We had to upskill them. So we collaborated with a school in Amsterdam. I went to learn how to make a pair of jeans, brought the master tailor and the co-founder into the space and ran a programme that taught the ladies how to make a pair of jeans from start to finish, and they became master tailors
• I know it's really one of the most expensive and hardest ways of doing business in this world. But I think it has much more impact. And I'd really love to impact more people
• We decided that we were going to hire people from the community. So, the ladies that work in our atelier, walk to work — they don't have to spend their money on transportation or have taxi problems
• We believe that Africa has so much talent, Africa has so much creativity, and we believe that Africa is not here for handouts

More about Tshepo

Tshepo Mohlala grew up in Tsakane, Gauteng, in a full household that included his mom, grandparents, and some of his cousins. Growing up surrounded by strong women ignited an early interest in clothes.

He abandoned studying film at AFDA to study Fashion at the University of Johannesburg, but was forced to drop out in 2011 due to financial constraints. He continued to pursue his love of fashion and, for two years, focused on the art and craft of jean-making, learning techniques through Amsterdam's Jean School.

He took a loan of R8000 to make 100 pairs of jeans which he sold from his backpack. Realising there was a dearth of South African denim brands, Tshepo launched his own line of Jeans, TSHEPO, in 2015.

Mohlala believes that denim has the ability to tell a story which is both beautiful and limitless. His purpose has always been clear — to connect with people through the stories his designs tell. TSHEPO Jeans is Mohlala's story and you’ll find the three women who raised him in the crown, forever present in his creative process. 

Find Tshepo Mohlala on LinkedIn

Find TSHEPO Jeans here:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Show Notes

Organisations:

Nandos

Jean School

G-Star Raw

Miscellaneous:

Victoria Yards

Pedi (People)

How can you help?

There are four ways you can help us out.

1. Give us your thoughts. Rate the podcast and leave a comment.
2. Share this as far and wide as you can - tell your friends, family and colleagues about us (caveat: if you own a family business, these may all be the same people)
3. Tell us how we can create a better podcast - tell us what you liked, didn’t like, or what you’d like to hear more (or less) of
4. Tell us who you’d like to hear on the podcast. Suggest someone that you think we should interview.

One More Question is a podcast by Nicework a Brand and Service Design Company. One of the things we do best is asking our clients the right questions. This podcast came about because we want to share some of the best answers we have heard over the last 13 years. We talk to significant creators, experts and communicators who we have encountered. To share the useful insights, inspirations and facts that made us stop and take notes as we go about our work. Hosted by our Founder Ross Drakes.

Subscribe iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts

Music by: @dcuttermusic / http://www.davidcuttermusic.com