We recently connected with Dr Nomathemba Ndlovu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr Nomathemba , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I inherited my work ethic from the lessons instilled by my parents from a young age. While they worked full-time as high school educators, they were also entrepreneurs running several small businesses to supplement their income. These businesses included market gardening, cattle ranching, and a home industry business where my mom knitted hats, school jerseys, and cardigans. My two younger sisters and I actively participated in these ventures to minimize external labor and maximize profits.
Despite the long hours and challenging conditions, my parents’ unwavering commitment to their businesses ensured that my sisters and I received a quality education at a prestigious private school for girls in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This experience taught me the value of hard work and the importance of dedication, perseverance, and discipline in achieving success.
Over the years, I balanced a demanding full-time job leading Zimbabwe’s largest events company with part-time PhD studies and caring for three young sons. It was a challenging time, but I drew strength from an online community of scholars, which provided much-needed support and motivation. Despite the temporary closure of my university in Zimbabwe, I persevered with my studies and transferred to a foreign university to ensure I could complete my doctorate within my targeted timeframe of three years.
Through these experiences, I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. I faced each challenge head-on, determined not to let anything delay or derail my progress. Looking back, I am grateful for the growth and self-discovery these experiences have brought me, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have a background in marketing, with experience in clothing retail, fast-moving consumer goods wholesale, and the exhibitions/trade show industries in Zimbabwe.
After 20 years of diverse experience, I retired from my corporate role and moved to Kuwait, and then to the USA with my family. During that time, I pursued a PhD to combine my practical experience with academic rigor. The moves gave me the opportunity to turn my long-standing hobby of millinery into a fully-fledged business. For me, millinery is not just about creating hats; it’s about empowering women to feel confident and beautiful.
I particularly enjoy working with sinamay, a versatile material with great sculptural potential. My design aesthetic combines flattering silhouettes and bold African wax prints to create unique and culturally inspired headwear. I differentiate my headpieces through sculptural fabric manipulation, intricate embellishments like hand beading, and my commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
My journey into millinery began in 2015 when I struggled to find the perfect headpiece for a wedding. Frustrated with the lack of options, I came across a poorly made fascinator in an unflattering color. This experience sparked the idea of creating my own headpieces, leading me to seek out a skilled milliner in Zimbabwe to teach me the basics of sinamay blocking and rolling. What started as a personal endeavor soon turned into a creative vocation and an additional source of income as I honed my skills in my spare time while juggling a full-time job and motherhood.
During the COVID pandemic, I further developed my skills by learning advanced techniques from renowned milliners through virtual training. In 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by entering an international millinery competition for the first time—and winning! It was a treasured achievement to secure both first prize and the public prize, which fueled my determination to push boundaries and innovate in the industry.
Currently, my focus is on expanding my brand and reaching a wider audience while staying committed to creativity, empowerment, and excellence. I’m also excited about the possibilities of collaborating with clothing designers, exploring editorial millinery, and creating headpieces for global magazine covers. I look forward to the creative opportunities that lie ahead.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have had the most impact on my career are perseverance, creativity, and continuous learning.
Having perseverance has been crucial for overcoming challenges and navigating setbacks. I have stayed focused on my goals and bounced back stronger and more determined.
Creativity has fueled my passion for millinery. It has empowered me to experiment with new ideas and create unique pieces that resonate with my clients. Embracing creativity has not only shaped my designs but also inspired me to constantly evolve and refine my craft.
Continuous learning has played a pivotal role in my growth and adaptability. By staying abreast of trends and embracing new skills, I have been able to improve my designs and seize new opportunities. Continuous learning has also broadened my perspective and enriched my work.
For those early in their journeys, I believe developing these qualities is essential.
To enhance resilience, it’s crucial to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Each setback is a chance to learn and improve. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let obstacles deter you.
To foster creativity, explore new ideas, techniques, and inspirations. Be open to experimentation and don’t shy away from pushing boundaries. Surround yourself with diverse influences and seek out feedback to refine your craft.
Continuous learning is key to staying ahead in any field. Stay curious and open-minded, seeking out new knowledge and skills. Embrace lifelong learning as a mindset and engage with communities of like-minded individuals to share ideas and experiences. I have benefited immensely from the intellectual generosity of milliners and tutors around the world who share their knowledge and expertise in various online millinery groups. By joining these communities, you can learn from others, share your experiences, and build meaningful connections.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, my most significant area of growth has been expanding my creative horizons and pushing the boundaries of my design aesthetic. One of the key moments that contributed to this growth was winning first place in an international hat competition and receiving the People’s Choice award in October of last year. This achievement not only boosted my confidence but also served as a source of inspiration to continue showcasing my work.
Additionally, I had the honor of being invited to exhibit a 5-piece mini collection in Milan, Italy, in February of this year. The exhibition, titled “The Queen’s Hat,” was a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. My collection, named ‘Gugulethu: Our Cherished Treasure,’ aimed to celebrate her remarkable legacy. This collaboration not only increased the visibility of my work but also provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange.
Behind the scenes, I have been dedicated to expanding my brand and reaching a wider audience. This has involved actively seeking out more collaboration opportunities and learning new marketing strategies and approaches. While it has been a steep learning curve, this journey is starting to yield tangible results, including increased visibility and sales. I look forward to seeing where it takes me next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hopescollectionmillinery
- Facebook: @hopescollectionmillinery
Image Credits
Laura Main Photography Fusion Media Group
