Former Generations actress and entrepreneur Sophie Ndaba is taking a bold step to uplift South Africa’s emerging fashion talent.
The 51-year-old will host “The Business of Fashion” workshop at this year’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, set to take place at Constitution Hill from 25 to 28 June, with the fashion workshop scheduled for Friday, 27 June.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Sophie explained that her inspiration came from seeing so many gifted young designers lacking the resources and business knowledge to thrive.
“Many are talented but don’t have access. That’s how I came up with The Business of Fashion. We are teaching them how to turn themselves into a business so they can be self-sustaining,” she said.
This workshop goes beyond designing clothes. It aims to teach aspiring fashion entrepreneurs how to build sustainable brands, use digital tools effectively, and plan for long-term legacy and impact.
A Workshop Rooted in Real Experience
Sophie, who has worn many hats in her career—from actress to chef to wedding planner—shared that her personal journey, including business setbacks due to illness, shaped her current mission:
“I was so busy making money and didn’t make it self-sustaining. That’s why I want to share my lessons. Once you build a solid brand, nobody can touch it.”
What to Expect at the Workshop
The workshop will feature two key panels:
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Fashion Designer Panel – Featuring creatives who started from scratch and built successful fashion careers.
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Advisory Panel – Including experts in social media, marketing, public relations, and brand strategy.
Sophie stressed that part of the conversation will be around strategic use of social platforms:
“Do you know what time to post? Why are you posting? Are you running a business account? Do you understand TikTok’s value or is it only a trend? These are the things young people need to ask.”
A Mission Beyond Fashion
For Sophie, the goal is legacy and economic empowerment:
“We’re not just creating fashion brands—we’re creating employment and multi-generational wealth. I want our kids to say, ‘Mama started this brand, and I’m taking it over.’”
Her initiative is a powerful example of how lived experience and a passion for impact can converge to build opportunities for the next generation of creatives.
The Business of Fashion workshop is expected to be one of the highlights of the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, where art, activism, and innovation come together.
