Entrepreneurs Themba Makamo and Thabang Ledwaba embody the go-getter spirit of their brand Vaya Footwear. Makamo and co-founder Ledwaba started the sneaker business with meagre capital, using resources they had at their disposal such as social media to market the brand.
Ledwaba who is also Vaya Footwear’s brand manager said Vaya aims to remind the ambitious people to go for it and push through challenges.
“Most of (our target market) are from the township but that doesn’t stop them from having dreams and going after those dreams. We are here to remind them that your dreams matter and we actually live by that code, because just four months into the business we have done a lot and even despite challenges we keep pushing forward.”
Ledwaba added that in the township sneakers tell our story and reveal our ambitions and aspirations.
“We started VAYA footwear to design and make sneakers that celebrate who you are and give you confidence in going after your dreams.”
Ledwaba said daring to dream and pursuing dreams is part of Vaya’s creed, adding that the business started trading in February with only the two of them doubling up as employees.
“From the initial 50 pairs we had pre-orders and by the time we had stock ready in February some of the sizes were sold out. We managed to top up so that we could deliver on our promise and month on month we are seeing an increase in the number of orders and deliveries,” said Ledwaba.
“When we started it was Themba and me in the business and right now we have a team of eight within three to four months. We have grown our social media reach. We target ambitious young Black South Africans.”
He added that encountering hurdles should not be a deterrent to anyone’s entrepreneurial goals, but rather starting with hat you have can help propel you forward.
“Many of the ambitious Black South Africans, the big challenge is capital to pursue business, but we want to say you know what just keep working that dream. It doesn’t matter if it’s not bringing in any feedback now. Just take it one day at a time, eventually it will all come together.”
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