We caught up with Mrs. Khanyisile Phetoane who is the founder of the clothing range Dope Christian Couture, which is one of the brands that will not only be show casing their range at the launch but will also have a range in store…
Q: Who is Khanyisile?
A: Khanyisile Phetoane is a Daughter , Wife to Tshegofatso Phetoane and Mother to Oreabetse. A businesswoman, Writer , Counsellor, Philanthropist , Designer and also IT Specialist.
Q: What inspired you to start what you’re doing?
A: I started the brand when I saw a gap in the market for Christian Clothes and something Christians would relate to while they would still look good and show off God with Swag.
Q: Where did all of this begin?
A: This began in March 2014 when I was planning my husband’s surprise party , I designed 3 t-shirts for Him ,our Son and myself. Everyone at the party was intrigued and wanted me to make a more , that’s How Dope Christian Couture was born.
Q: Why the name ‘DopeChristainCouture’?
A: Dope means “cool” or “nice” , its slang that’s mostly used by young people. It was named that because I wanted to appeal more to the younger generation. It also describes what Christianity means to me but, also what God has been in my life. The couture part represents where the brand is going , I have a lot of exciting designs in the pipeline.
Q: There are many designers out there, what makes your clothing different?
A: Dope Christian Couture is fresh, unique and exciting especially since there hasn’t been a lot of designers who are focusing on the dominating religion in South Africa , it’s simple, stimulating and yet its gripping designs makes it stand out from the rest.
Q: What has been the outline of your journey as an artist?
A: Firstly , the overwhelming support I receive from people , it’s as if they have been waiting for this for a long time. I’m also one of the eight entrepreneurs that were selected to be in the business development programme through The Lean Jump project targeting young entrepreneurs based in Gauteng and is the brainchild of SAB KickStart and The Hookup Dinner, SAB’s youth entrepreneurship programme. Also featured on Metro FM with Paul Mtirara and also a few newspaper articles profiling Dope Christian Couture. I will also be contributing towards Mzansi Post on a wide variety of issues relating to women
Q: What can we expect from you next? Now that spring is popping in?
A: Very exciting range coming for adults and kids , Dope Christian Couture is going to start revealing and realising designs that are part of the journey to where it wants to be in future. Dope Christian Couture will also be at most of the Johannesburg markets as we want to get the product out to people.
Q: What do you think the role of clothing is, specifically your brand is in this decaying society that we find ourselves in?
A: It’s impossible to wear something without conveying any type of response from society , weather good or bad. While Dope Christian Couture aims to show of God with Swag but also its aim is to teach more about Christianity by creating a movement through apparel , while you may see any verse on a t-shirt it will provoke and encourage people to what to know what it means and in that way at least it has contributed to teaching about Christianity.
Q: What is the one thing you want people to know about you?
A: I am a free spirit who loves hard , works hard and plays hard.
A sample of the women’s range t-shirts
Q: Are there any shared struggles that you want to share about the clothing industry?
A: It’s not easy to start a new business and expect people to like what you offer overnight , you have to keep on pushing and getting it out there because people like different things , so eventually you will find the niche in the market that people will love and respond positively.
Q: Lastly, has being a female led to you being treated differently?
A: Not at all , I think we almost at the stage where being female is as normal as being any other being. We are as capable as anyone who is in business. I believe that I’m accepted and welcomed warmly because they see the kind of person I am and how serious my role in business.
Dope Christian Couture is a vivacious and revitalising clothing culture for Christians and anyone fitting – Keep in touch : http://dopechristiancouture.weebly.com/
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