Self-taught young tailor stitches passion into a business

ONGWEDIVA – At 14, Euphermia Haukongo discovered her passion for sewing while watching her mother turn fabric into beautiful garments. This skill has since grown into a promising tailoring business.

Haukongo, a young fashion designer from Okatope in the Oshikoto region, said her mother was her first inspiration and teacher.

“I used to watch her sew when I was young, and I was always fascinated by how she could turn a piece of fabric into something beautiful,” she said.

Her interest in tailoring developed at the age of 14, when she began practising with small pieces of fabric and attempting to make clothes of her own.

Although largely self-taught, Haukongo, now 30-years old, later received guidance from a local tailor who mentored her. She also turned to YouTube tutorials and used old fabric to sharpen her skills.

The journey was not without challenges. When she started, she did not own a sewing machine, had no established customer base, and often made mistakes.

“I had no sewing machine of my own, no customers, and I made many mistakes. But I was determined and practised every day,” she said.

One of her biggest challenges, she said, has been overcoming perceptions about her age, with some customers questioning whether she is experienced enough to deliver professional work.

She also faces financial challenges, particularly the cost of purchasing materials and sewing machines and securing a suitable working space.

Haukongo started by sewing for family members, friends and neighbours at affordable prices. She encouraged them to share pictures of her work on WhatsApp statuses, which helped attract new customers through word of mouth.

From sewing in her bedroom, her business has grown to include orders for traditional wear, dresses, and school uniforms.

She attributes her growing customer base to attention to detail, affordability, and her ability to combine modern designs with Oshiwambo traditional elements.

“I don’t just sew clothes; I make people feel confident,” she said.

Tailoring has also given her financial independence, allowing her to support herself and her family while covering her own needs.

Looking ahead, she hopes to open her own boutique and train other young women interested in tailoring.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Start with what you have, no matter how small. Be consistent, be patient, and believe in your talent. Your skill can become your source of income,” she concluded.

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