Theodora Ntombi Makroti, Gugulethu, Cape Town
I’m Theodora Ntombi Makroti. I’m 54 years old, born and raised in Gugulethu—a vibrant township in Cape Town. I’m a mother to two beautiful children, a young lady of 32 and a young man of 25. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, design, and making things with my hands.
Growing up, I wanted to look good. At school, I’d save my money, go to the Salt River factories, and buy a dress I’d wear and then resell or alter. I taught myself how to sew and I would even use my mother’s old clothes (she was bigger than me), and use her doeks to make belts, and turn them into something that fit my style. I loved creating from scratch, even then.
After matric, I studied design at Boston College. My father bought me a Singer sewing machine—he saw the dream in me. But life took a turn. I got a job, and that dream got parked. Then, years later, Covid hit—and with it, everything changed.
A Rekindled Passion: My Events Hire Business
Before I joined the TCB Remake Programme, I was running an events business that was doing really well – until COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, no events were allowed. My bookings disappeared overnight. I was frustrated and sat at home doing nothing, watching everything I had built disappear.
But I’m not someone who stays down for long. Fashion had always been my first love. COVID reminded me of the dreams I had shelved. I started looking up patterns on TikTok, using what little I had to try new things. I pulled out the Singer sewing machine my father had gifted me years ago when I was still a design student and thought, “what can I do with what I have?”.
That’s how I started sewing cotton face masks. And when the demand for masks dropped and Covid was over, I shifted again – creating table runners and napkins to rent out for small events. I even designed my own spider tent for shelter at events – another addition to my Event Hire business. I refused to sit still. If there was a gap in the market, I’d find it – and fill it. I’m currently looking for a storage space to keep all my event equipment because the business is growing.
Eventually, I moved to a small farm in Atlantis for some peace. I never expected that a move for rest would open the door to something much bigger. That’s where I saw the TCB Remake Programme ad. I applied, got called for an interview – and I made it.
Building a Business from Vision: My Dress Hire business
When I started at TCB in 2024, all those old dreams came rushing back. I had always loved creating unique designs, but I didn’t have the skill to bring the ideas in my mind to life. TCB changed that. I learned pattern-making – real, technical skill – and suddenly, my visions were no longer just in my head.
While learning, I began collecting glamorous gowns and vintage dresses – one or two at a time – slowly building my dress hire business. People didn’t get it at first. They asked, Who would rent these? But I saw a need in my community – especially among young girls raised by grandmothers, girls who couldn’t afford a matric dance dress. I knew they deserved to feel special, to feel seen. Now, I’ve built a collection. My business is growing.
Today, my Dress Hire business offers dress hire for events, influencer shoots, parties, matric balls, and even funerals. And I’m not stopping there – I’m working to expand into the film industry. My dream? A Mobile Wardrobe that serves productions across the country. Even if I start by serving just one person in film – I know I’ll grow from there.
Back to My Dreams: My Fashion Design Business
Pattern-making was something I always dreamed of learning properly. Patterns come from the mind; they’re part of your signature as a designer. I’d also take leftover materials and create patchwork designs that were entirely unique – it’s my signature.
The off-cuts we get at TCB are a goldmine for me. I lay them out, study the textures and colours, and see something new. I stitch them together to create my own material – my own patterns, my own style. And I wear what I create. People in my community already knew me for tailoring their clothes. When they see me at events, they ask where I bought my outfit. I smile, because it’s mine. One-of-a-kind. Just like the people I create for.
A Place That Brought Me Back to Life
TCB isn’t just about business. It’s about you, the whole you —your family, your emotions, your confidence. There’s coaching, emotional support, and a sisterhood of women who all want to grow. They taught me that being vulnerable can be a strength. I used to keep my problems to myself – I didn’t like asking for help. But I’ve learned that when you open up, you not only help yourself, you help others too. Now, I share my story. Because someone might be sitting where I was, thinking there’s no way out.
But at TCB, I found a sisterhood. We shared, we cried, we grew. I’ve learned that sometimes God works through people. When I walk into TCB, I feel like a millionaire, even if there’s not a cent in my pocket. The glow my family sees in me now—it all comes from this new excitement for life. If I’m okay, they’re okay.
Graduation is coming, and I’m making my own dress—of course! Suno, our patient and talented, technical trainer, has been amazing. He inspires us not only with his skills but with his creativity. And I’m beyond thankful to the founders, Tracey Chambers and Tracey Gilmore – they have no idea how many lives they’ve saved. I’m convinced that many of us, would have lost our lives to depression. This place is our therapy. It’s our home.
My Joy, My Drive
Three words to describe me?
Open-minded. Creative. Focused.
I know what I want now. I don’t allow distractions. I’ve always had a go-getter mindset. I take what’s in front of me and I make something new.
My clients? They’re the heartbeat of what I do. When I see them happy in something I made, something designed from my imagination—it’s the best feeling. A one-of-a-kind outfit, for a one-of-a-kind person. That’s what I offer.
And I know my biggest breakthrough is still ahead. The film industry is calling – and I’m answering. With my gowns, my patterns, and my passion in hand.
This is just the beginning.
Theodora Ntombi Makroti is a graduate of the TCB Remake Programme, a designer, entrepreneur, and community champion from Gugulethu.
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.