Phemla Velapi | TCB Remake Programme | Cape Town
My name is Phemla Velapi. I stay in Highbury Park. I joined Taking Care of Business (TCB) Remake programme in February 2024. Before joining TCB I worked in corporate and retail companies. I was unemployed for quite some time when I decided to do a short course in sewing skills and my business was just starting with very few clients. I was mostly sewing for myself and family members.
I joined TCB to upskill myself and grow my business. It has been quite a journey a with TCB, there were highs and lows. At some point I thought I was not getting what I needed in terms of technical skills. The facilitators would ask us at our mentoring sessions what do we need and how can they better our time at TCB, so they brought in some changes. That is when they brought in technical skills training where we learnt pattern making and basic sewing skills. Now most of us can construct a pattern and make garments with the help of our 2 technical skills teachers who are always ready to assist.
One of the valuable skills that I’ve learnt is to monitor where I am in my business VS where I want to be. Learning to manage my finances has been my biggest flex since joining TCB.
Before joining TCB I had no concept of the circular economy, but now I see things differently and I make sure I use and re-use items to full capacity.
Being a business owner has allowed me financial freedom to do things that I need and be able to support my family with their basic needs. I know for some it’s not a big deal but being able to buy your own electricity is huge for someone who was unemployed for quite some time. Now I can even assist my mom when she needs financial assistance. January is a tough month but because I have my business it didn’t feel as tough as other years. Yes, there are months that the business is dry and not making money but now those are far in between.
For the future I see a sustainable business that has employees who are able to feed their families. I pride myself in making sure that each client gets what they requested and are given the attention they need when they come to me. If I cannot do what they request I would refer them to someone I know who can do the job. 3 words that describe me “resilient, empathetic and calm”
What motivates me is being able to do it myself. A job a well done gives me the confidence to do it some more.
My advice to others who want to start their own business: Do it well, do it often gets the job done.
Taking Care of Business (TCB) is a nonprofit social enterprise. We are empowering unemployed South Africans and their families to escape the cycle of poverty through small business opportunities, mostly within the circular economy.
