BY Obakeng Maje
So you dream of starting your own clothing line? To be successful, you’ll have to learn how to run a business, market your products, and keep your customers happy.
Here are some basics on getting started in the clothing and fashion business with no one other than a Zeerust-born Rebaona “Baonce” Molele.So come and chill with us on our hot seat while Sassy-girl takes us into her den.
The dynamic, outspoken star, born confident, strong minded,indefatigable and phenomenal Rebaona Baonce Molele is described in many words.
The name is “Rebaona” which is a Setswana name meaning “we are His” (The Almighty). Baonce (which is pronounced Bounce) was derived from Rebaona in primary school as Rebaona was not easy for white educators to pronounce.
On the the 14th of August 1989 when the town of Zeerust was blessed with this gift, her parents knew from the moment they held her that she was displaying characteristics of an individual that commands your attention every-time.
A grounded person, jolly, very humble and loving person whose nicely brought up in a family of morals, values and pure love which made her to be good-hearted, care for those around her and taught her to be unconditionally.
Baonce has studied life in her mother’s womb the rest is just jingle and bells, and she was born for what she does which is purely on God’s given talent.
I am in love with public relations, I’m talkative, loves public speaking, loves socializing and meeting new people” she said.
“All in all I’m a pure extrovert, thinks abroad and speaks my mind out” Baonce said.
Rebaona strongly believes that “straight talk does not break any friendship”, she expresses her emotions by drawing, writing poems and talking to her inner self.
“My beliefs of all time is that innovation is virtue and as a result I innovates what is essential where its needed and strongly believe in this quote “be the change you want to see” by Mahatma Ghandi, therefore I am passionate about making some changes where I comes from and everywhere I go” She smiles.
She believes in one person and that is herself, she refuses to let any criticism put her down.
“I have a very strong back bone and heading only one direction which is the top. I always keep glowing as i believes that when you look good and glow, you do good as a result and strongly believes that life without Christ is full of crises, so therefore you should go for Christ at all times” Rebaona said.
She started school at R.B Dithupe primary school which is located in the Northwest province (Zeerust) where she did her grade 1 to grade 9, then went to further her high school in different schools namely S.t Annes high school (Rustenburg)
,Northern Academy (Limpopo-Polokwane) Motswedi High school (Zeerust) and then matricualetd at Ntebogang High school (Zeerust).
In 2008 Baonce then went to further her studies at the University of Johannesburg where she studied a National Diploma in Financial Accounting.
She also took her precious time to encourage Matriculants those who did not make it.
“So well to all matriculants, my advice to those who did not make it is that its not the end of the world. Failure is success if you work on it, so therefore there is always a chance to change you results don’t hesitate, go and repeat or upgrade its going to be for the best. And to those who made it, congratulations, and please make sure you choose you career path wisely. Be sure that its what you want don’t satisfy your family, so choose what you want because the future is yours alone” She said.
“One thing I would change if i were to be president for a day…I would to make abortion illegal in South Africa” Rebaona said.
Owner and founder of “Baonce” a trademark, derived from her middle name which is also a clothing brand that consists of two brands namely ‘The hometown branded and the Baonce brand.
“The reason behind the creation of the brand is to innovate change, show how proud I am of my roots and to make everyone aware of where I comes from. The hometown brand is a Zeerust brand which is divided into two, the town brand and villages and its surrounding” She said.
“And then the Baonce brand which is fresh, hip, funky and happening, combination of styles, all brands consists of t-shirts,caps, jackets, sweaters, beanies and e.t.c” She said.
“In 5 years time I would like to see myself in great greener pastures, being a financial accountant, recognized as a businesswoman in the business world, being the best role model, an example of independence in women, an example of an educated traditional healer and a phenomenal brand” She outlines.
“In 5 years time I would love to see my clothing label grown, I would love to see my brand being recognized globally” Rebaona adds.
The only challenge she came across is when she had to choose to take a break from her studies and business to answer her ancestral calling,but it paid off well she said.
“Now I’m a qualified member of the traditional Dingaka Association, and the new year just started and I’m continuing where I left off. And I intend on making the best of everything in the year 2013” She smiles.
“My advice about education…Education is the key to success, even if you choose to do anything on the side, education should always come first, because life is unpredictable so in that case you will have something to fall back on” She adds.
Our crew tried to pressurise Baonce to let the cat out of her bag regarding her love-life and relationships and here is her respond.
“About relationships i would like to keep that private” She smiles.
You can follow Rebaona “Baonce” Molele on Twitter@Baonce and on Facebook as Rebaona Baonce Molele to see what she is offering.
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews for more details about Baonce Label!!!!!
The Guardian 