An online website has been created to promote local brands in the fashion industry
Student entrepreneurs start website to promote local brands. Photo: Elizabeth-Jane Ringrose
Two Wits University students have launched an online platform to showcase the work of local fashion brands. Oasis (http://www.crazinerd.com/fili/)was launched in July this yeary Reitumetse Sebatana and Nilton Mabaso, and their colleague Charles Chamatumba with the aim of growing and promoting local fashion talent.
“We made sure to accommodate everyone who has a passion for fashion. Everyone is able to access the site,” Co-founder of Oasis, Charles Chamatumba said. The platform currently hosts 10 local, small brands under its umbrella such as Che’cro, Fili, Wasted Youth Worldwide, Blackanese and House of Manik.
Oasis was developed in response to an increase in fashion entrepreneurs, according to Chamatumba. “There are a large amount of young entrepreneurs that are becoming either stylists or starting their own brands,” he said. “We decided on coming up with an idea that can help out these brands with marketing and also an opportunity to get their brands online via a website,” he added.
Kanyisa Qaba, who founded House of Manik in 2016, uses Oasis as an online platform to promote her women’s wear brand. Qaba, whose studio is based in Parktown, designs the entire clothing line, which is produced locally.
Qaba believes the platform is perfect for her business, “I like the diversity of the platform in terms of clothing which is showcased on the site.
“The Oasis team does such an amazing job at exposing you to new customers, it definitely has increased my reach to customers.” she added.
Oasis hopes to become South Africa’s leading website for local brands while simultaneously reaching a global audience. “We want to grow local brands to not only see them make it in South Africa but in the world,” said Chamatumba.
FEATURED IMAGE: Student entrepreneurs start website to promote local brands. Photo: Elizabeth-Jane Ringrose
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