Zanele Mbatha, a name that resonates with the vibrant spirit of Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, where her journey began. Born into a life marked by constant relocation due to her father's ever-changing job landscape, Zanele's family eventually found solace in the quaint town of Melmoth. It was there, in their family home, that she blossomed into the person she is today.
In the heart of this small town, Zanele discovered her love for creation and innovation. While her father's professional instability fueled their nomadic lifestyle, it inadvertently kindled the flame of entrepreneurship within her. It was a flame that would later manifest in the form of Lady Blue Jewellery.
Zanele's admiration for Mzansi brand Bathu and its creator, Theo Baloyi, stems from the inspiring tale of a man who transformed limited resources into a thriving sneaker business. Baloyi's journey resonates with her own aspirations, and she finds inspiration in the employment opportunities he has created.
Lady Blue Jewellery, Zanele's brainchild, emerged from the crucible of the 2020 lockdown. Officially launched on November 22, 2022, the brand draws its name from the affectionate nickname of Zanele's daughter, 'Blue.' This venture, born out of a passion for creation that germinated in childhood, has quickly evolved into a full-fledged business.
Reflecting on her journey, Zanele reminisces about crafting rag dolls and bags from cardboard and leftover materials, a humble beginning rooted in her mother's sewing endeavors. Despite deviating from her initial dream of becoming a fashion designer, Zanele found herself immersed in a different course of life.
Running a business, she believes, demands unwavering passion and patience. Success is not an overnight phenomenon, and Zanele emphasizes the importance of consistency. The recognition and support received from patrons bring her a sense of peace after a long day of business activities.
Balancing her role as a teacher with her entrepreneurial pursuits, Zanele acknowledges the occasional exhaustion. However, the weekends and school holidays afforded by her teaching profession become moments of respite, allowing her to focus on her business and find a crucial equilibrium.
As aspirations of growth and visibility for Lady Blue Jewellery soar, Zanele dreams of collaborating with influential figures like Mihlali Ndamase, recognizing the power of effective marketing through influential personalities. The journey of Lady Blue Jewellery has been marked by evolution and recognition. Zanele's willingness to experiment with different materials and her adept use of social media as a marketing tool have contributed to the brand's expanding influence.
The highlight of Zanele's business journey, she shares, has been the satisfaction of earning additional income, a tangible sign that her efforts are making a meaningful impact. Outside the realm of Lady Blue Jewellery, Zanele, a self-professed introvert, seeks solace in binge-watching Netflix series. When the urge for social interaction strikes, she cherishes time spent with close friends.
Looking ahead, Zanele envisions continuous growth for Lady Blue Jewellery. Armed with a commitment to injecting creativity into her work, she aims to captivate an expanding audience. The journey, she hopes, will be one of perpetual ascent, with the business scaling new heights in the months and years to come.