As I sit down with Thato, I’m reminded of her humble beginnings, when all this was just something she would say in passing, that she wants to be her own boss. Today we are here talking about her very own business, now I’m convinced that once this young girl puts her mind on to something, she’s in it to win it.
Thato Moemise is a second year Entrepreneurship student at the University of Johannesburg, this young budding entrepreneur is a force to be reckoned with. She grew up in Rustenburg and matriculated at Grenville High School. Only 21, but she has made it her responsibility to take matters into her own hands by starting her own business instead of sitting back and expecting the government to provide.
Growing up, Thato had always wanted to be in the spotlight, her dreams were to be an actress and model. "It’s weird how things have changed because I initially wanted to be the star, now I’m the one who gives a platform to young ladies, so that they may fulfil their dreams in becoming models. I’m content with the role I play, it really is fulfilling." She says.Fantabulous Model Agency and Academy was established September 2010, started off with only five models, now has up to ten models as she is very specific on the kinds of models she wants to work with. FMAA gives their models an opportunity to work at promotions, fashion shows, editorials and catalogues, etc. Lyrical clothing, magazines , Young Entrepreneurs Development Campaign and Uber Glam are amongst the clients that the agency has worked with.
The FMAA team consists of Thato who is the Founder and Executive Director, Victor Mofokeng is the Business Administrator and Koketso Moroane who is in charge of Public Relations.
"Being an entrepreneur is not easy, so it is important for me to surround myself with people who inspire me, which is why I’m being mentored by Thabang Mlangeni who owns Ilanga Elisha.
Thato emphasises on how balancing everything is a continuing struggle as she has to juggle both school and work. "My day always starts at 8, start off with a prayer, it doesn’t matter if I have classes on that day or not, during the week I work really hard. Early mornings, long days filled with meetings and classes, late nights whereby I check my emails." She adds. Saturday and Sundays are days which Thato rests, which she points out as very important.
"My day always starts at 8, it doesn’t matter if I have classes on that day or not, during the week I work really hard. Early mornings, long days filled with meetings and classes, late nights whereby I check my emails."
CHALLENGES
Finance has been the biggest challenge for FMAA, everything that is FMAA today was funded from her pocket. No external funding or hand outs were given to Thato, she has worked brilliantly by organising resources together that were available to her to put together portfolios, for photo shoots and getting a website.
"All one has to do is master their negotiating skills." Says Thato.
ON LEADERSHIP"Leadership for me is about influence, communication and making sure your team is working to the best of their ability, allowing them to contribute ideas so that the business can grow. It’s about leading people to the right direction, you can lead them to hell or you can take them into the right path." She says. Considering how young she is, Thato makes sure that she sets rules so that her role as a leader is respected. "I want to work with people who are team players and are prepared to work hard as this industry is not for the faint hearted, if you are not up for hard work, you will have to shuck."
LESSONS LEARNT AND FUTURE PLANS
"The business has grown so much considering that I officially started operating last year and I’m overwhelmed by the support I've recieved along the way. I’ve also learnt that managing your time, networking and selling your services confidently to potential clients will help your business grow." explains Thato. Her role models range from Business Mogul Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou, Claire Mawisa, to most importantly, her mother and aunts.
FUTURE PLANS AND LAST WORDS
Next year Thato would love to move into an office here in Johannesburg, then in the near future expand her business to Durban and Cape Town, work for with major fashion shows across the country. Also , expanding in New York, Milan and Paris seems to be part of Thato’s dreams. Hmmm, now this is what we call beautiful ambition. Let this be an inspiration to everyone who has an idea but is letting fear of the unknown hold you back, anything is possible.
Thato's work
