Teboho Nthabiseng Letseli
Hello! My name is Teboho Nthabiseng Letseli, Head of Designs and Business Operations at Sd'ogue Emporium.
I was born in Gauteng, raised by both my amazing parents. Growing up, we moved around a lot (Gauteng, Free State, Western Cape), which played a huge role in who I am. I am a very versatile, independent, outgoing, strong-willed, and confident young lady. It took me a while to get to where I am, but I believe in myself, and all I have to offer.
I am a BCom Accounting graduate, and I'm currently pursuing an honours degree in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management at the University of Cape Town, part-time, full-time; however, I'm self-employed. I run three businesses; a cleaning company, an online store for plus size women, and a bursary management company that aims to create equal access to the economy for South African youth.
When I'm not buried in work or my studies, I enjoy creating beauty content, reading, watching Netflix and hanging out to those closest to me.
Company Name: Sd'ogue Emporium
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Operating since: 2019
Company Website: https://www.sdogueemporium.com
Company Instagram: @sdogue_emporium
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
Sd'ogue Emporium is an online store that caters to plus-size women. It’s “plus size fashion, reimagined”.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset?
Growing up chubby, I've always had to succumb to what was available for me in stores. I couldn't choose what I wanted, as a result, I had such a mature sense of dress at such a young age because of the clothes available in stores. Growing up, I knew, I couldn't wait for the fashion industry to give me a seat at the table, I had to create my own table.
Did you always intend to start your own company?
No, I never thought I had the discipline needed for self-employment, but I'm doing okay.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
I don't have a lot of experience, so I'm learning every day. Each attempt is better than the one before. I'm learning how to manage people, customers, myself, it's a lot. But, each day I just keep on getting better.
What is the biggest personal/professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
Setting up a business, and developing proper supply chains is the biggest obstacle. This is the process when you see things not coming together. People don't know you, and don't trust you, and you need to work so hard to set up. At this point, your belief in this whole thing is tested, once you pass this test, you're ready for many other obstacles, and believe me, they will come.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
Success is relative, success is when you've achieved your dreams, what you've set out to be, and that means different things for different people. I'm far from successful. I've checked a few boxes off of my vision board, but I'm far from being where I set out to be. I'll know I'm successful once I'm living in my own mansion, with 4 of my dream cars!
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes. I'm surrounded by such powerful, strong women. My mom is such a huge support system, sounding board and guiding compass for me. She's the first to hear about my new ideas and always figures out how best to achieve them. She's also the main investor in my business, and I wouldn't have achieved even a third of the things I have done if it wasn't for her.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
I want to take my brand to an international platform so I'm working on being accessible worldwide.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Starting out is the most difficult part. Have focus, be disciplined, and always remember why you started.
Describe yourself in ONE word. A dreamer :)
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..."
A challenge. Some things weren't meant for us, and every day we prove that we're winning. We were meant to occupy and take up all spaces.