“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu “a person is a person through other people” that’s what one gets from hearing the tale of Sifiso Dlamini's road to success.
Dlamini was able to see his dream come true with the help of a few business people who saw the potential in him and helped equip him with the necessary tools to implement his vision.
Sifiso Dlamini is the owner and founder of sneaker brand ‘Eish Hade’, a company which designs and manufactures sneakers for men and women. The name Eish Hade comes from kasi slang meaning, if you step on someone's toe by mistake when he or she is wearing a nice brand new shoe, you say Eish Hade (oops, sorry).
It all started with his love for sneakers.
“I have loved sneakers from a very young age. I used to save up my allowance to lay-bye shoes and buy myself brands such as Adidas,” he says.
During his high-school years, Sifiso’s mom started teaching him how to sew and suggested that he start making his own sneaker designs.
“My mom suggested that I take an old pair of takkies and re-design them. I took an old pair of trousers and used the material for the sneakers”.
Although Dlamini admits that the first design was not good, he received a lot of encouragement from family and friends who started placing orders for their own pair of sneakers.
Long road to success
In 2009, armed with big dreams and samples of hand crafted Eish Hade sneakers, Dlamini walked into a company called Chemcity.
After showing them his work and sharing his hopes and dreams, the company decided to send him on a business course with African Action to teach him some business and marketing skills to grow his business.
His big break came in 2011 when he and a friend took their sneakers to the Back to the City festival to promote the brand. They met a man named Kyle Verbeek who then introduced them to Michelle Combrink of Izinto activation group.
She gave them R10 000 to buy raw materials for the sneakers and provided office space for them to work from.
“Things started going great from then, we got a lot of media exposure through the help of Izinto and we started getting orders from all over the country”.
The company is now based in Devland, SouthGate and employs 5 people.
“My mentor Richard Reddier provided the new working space for us and is also helping me to grow my business and make it profitable.”
“Dlamini admits that without the help of business people who took him under their wing, his company would not have reached its current success.”
“It’s very hard to source information and get financial backing when you are starting out,” says the Meadowlands born entrepreneur.
The young man also credits his faith in God and support from his mother for his success.
“I would advise other young people to never give up, follow their dreams and always surround themselves with positive people who will help lift them up when times get tough.”
Although the company is still in its baby stages, Dlamini hopes to see it grow bigger.
“I would like to have a big factory and provide more jobs for people. I also plan to open a design school to pass on the knowledge I have gained.”
To order a pair of Eish Hade sneakers contact Sifiso on 073 077 2481/011 939 3325 or email eish.hade@gmail.com
- Over the next few weeks we will be profiling many young entrepreneurs who have proven that hard work does pay off.
A love for sneakers turns into a profitable business
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu “a person is a person through other people” that’s what one gets from hearing the tale of Sifiso Dlamini's road to success.
Dlamini was able to see his dream come true with the help of a few business people who saw the potential in him and helped equip him with the necessary tools to implement his vision.
Sifiso Dlamini is the owner and founder of sneaker brand ‘Eish Hade’, a company which designs and manufactures sneakers for men and women. The name Eish Hade comes from kasi slang meaning, if you step on someone's toe by mistake when he or she is wearing a nice brand new shoe, you say Eish Hade (oops, sorry).
It all started with his love for sneakers.
“I have loved sneakers from a very young age. I used to save up my allowance to lay-bye shoes and buy myself brands such as Adidas,” he says.
During his high-school years, Sifiso’s mom started teaching him how to sew and suggested that he start making his own sneaker designs.
“My mom suggested that I take an old pair of takkies and re-design them. I took an old pair of trousers and used the material for the sneakers”.
Although Dlamini admits that the first design was not good, he received a lot of encouragement from family and friends who started placing orders for their own pair of sneakers.
Long road to success
In 2009, armed with big dreams and samples of hand crafted Eish Hade sneakers, Dlamini walked into a company called Chemcity.
After showing them his work and sharing his hopes and dreams, the company decided to send him on a business course with African Action to teach him some business and marketing skills to grow his business.
His big break came in 2011 when he and a friend took their sneakers to the Back to the City festival to promote the brand. They met a man named Kyle Verbeek who then introduced them to Michelle Combrink of Izinto activation group.
She gave them R10 000 to buy raw materials for the sneakers and provided office space for them to work from.
“Things started going great from then, we got a lot of media exposure through the help of Izinto and we started getting orders from all over the country”.
The company is now based in Devland, SouthGate and employs 5 people.
“My mentor Richard Reddier provided the new working space for us and is also helping me to grow my business and make it profitable.”
“Dlamini admits that without the help of business people who took him under their wing, his company would not have reached its current success.”
“It’s very hard to source information and get financial backing when you are starting out,” says the Meadowlands born entrepreneur.
The young man also credits his faith in God and support from his mother for his success.
“I would advise other young people to never give up, follow their dreams and always surround themselves with positive people who will help lift them up when times get tough.”
Although the company is still in its baby stages, Dlamini hopes to see it grow bigger.
“I would like to have a big factory and provide more jobs for people. I also plan to open a design school to pass on the knowledge I have gained.”
To order a pair of Eish Hade sneakers contact Sifiso on 073 077 2481/011 939 3325 or email eish.hade@gmail.com
Read the success story of Caprivi Lounge
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos