46. Nobesuthu Ndlovu
Vital Stats:
- Business: Burgundy Fly
- Established: 2008
Up-and-coming fact:
Initially launched as a single store in Soweto’s Maponya Mall, the business has multiplied into four boutiques across Johannesburg.
In an effort to ensure that South African designers are able to make a sustainable living from their love and talent, Ndlovu and her business partner, Nhlanhla Ndlovu established Burgundy Fly’s first boutique in Soweto, with no retail background. Voted ‘Best Emporium Supporting Local Production’ by Flux Trends and Marie Claire, the business’ success is based on their ability to save as much money as possible to enable the business to expand without having to get into debt, they say.