Introducing Prince Matlakala, a dynamic young entrepreneur hailing from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Born and raised in the small town of Sterkspruit, Prince spent the formative years of his youth in the Free State, considering it a second home. Currently, he's based in Gqeberha, pursuing his studies. Prince's story is a compelling one, driven by a desire to stand out and embrace a unique journey that none of his peers initially approved of. This is his voyage from the small town of Sterkspruit to creating Arch Clothing, a brand with a purpose that transcends fashion.
Prince Matlakala emphasizes that Arch Clothing transcends being a mere clothing brand; it's a thriving community rooted in a culture of support, with an unwavering focus on individual dreams, success, and well-being. The official launch of Arch Clothing took place in February 2022. The brand's name, "Arch," holds a profound meaning, signifying strength and support. It serves as a portal bridging time and space, opening the door to a new world filled with fresh perspectives and a broader vision. What truly distinguishes Arch Clothing is that it's not confined to the realm of fashion; it's a lifestyle. It represents a way of life that celebrates uniqueness in identity, values, community, and aesthetics.
As a young gent who does his thing, what does it take to run your own business, and what makes you go to sleep peacefully after a day full of business activities? “Running any business, whether it's Arch Clothing or something else, demands a willingness to continuously learn and adapt in the ever-evolving business landscape. Staying up-to-date with current trends is crucial. What allows me to sleep peacefully at night, even after a day filled with business activities, is the knowledge that I've given my best. Whether I've met my goals or not, I've tried, and I always look forward to tomorrow as another opportunity to do even better”.
If given the chance, which person in the influencer space would you like to work with, and why that specific influencer? “I'd love to collaborate with DJ Sbu. He's a shining example of success in the entrepreneurial space, and his dedication to building and uplifting "black excellence" is truly inspiring. DJ Sbu has not only motivated me but countless others to venture into entrepreneurship”.
Since its establishment, Arch Clothing has enjoyed notable growth. We've been prominently featured in various events and have played a pivotal role in helping emerging models achieve their aspirations over the past year. Our recent endeavours include launching a campaign to provide tailored matriculation uniforms to schools and offering a Work Integrated Learning program for a student, ensuring her graduation upon program completion.
To position Arch Clothing at the forefront of the market, our approach emphasizes collaboration and partnership, as encapsulated by the African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.", added Prince.
Could you share the most memorable achievement in your business journey thus far? “Undoubtedly, the most significant accomplishment in my business journey has been the ability to make a positive impact on people's lives through Arch Clothing”.
When you're not busy with Arch Clothing, what do you do to unwind? “Outside of Arch Clothing, I enjoy traveling across the country. Arch Clothing has become my travel partner, as I often find myself promoting it during my journeys. If not traveling, I immerse myself in self-help books, continuously seeking personal and professional growth”.
Lastly, what is your next move in business, or what can the public expect from Arch Clothing in the next few months or years? “Professionally, I am a Tourism practitioner, and I've identified opportunities within the tourism industry that I plan to maximize. Regarding Arch Clothing, there's much more in store. We will collaborate with other brands to develop new products, and we'll actively seek public input for some of our offerings. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the brand's success and building the supportive community we stand for”.