Let’s get to know Thabisile Msiza, a talented South African jewellery designer based in Kaalfontein, Johannesburg. Thabisile is the founder and creative force behind TM Jewellery, which she established during the 2021 lockdown. Thabisile's passion for handcrafted local jewellery has been instrumental in driving her business to success, as she strives to expose her artwork to the versatile markets of Joburg.
Thabisile is a graduate of Tshwane University of Technology, and her passion for design is evident in the quality and craftsmanship of her jewellery. She uses a variety of materials, including clay, to create unique and elegant pieces that are both affordable and fashionable. Her commitment to producing high-quality jewellery has earned her a loyal following, and she has quickly become a respected figure in the South African jewellery industry.
In addition to her own brand, Thabisile is a big fan of Bayanda Khathini, a well-known South African fashion brand. She admires their elegant and detailed designs, which she believes are made with love. Thabisile has aspirations of collaborating with the brand in the future, and it is on her prayer list of collaborations.
We asked her about the challenges she faced when she tried to get her business off the ground and this is what she said, “starting a business is never easy, and I have faced a number of challenges when I began TM Jewellery. Funding was one of the biggest obstacles I encountered, as I had to make sure I had a job to sustain myself while starting my own business.
I had to learn how to make clay jewellery at home and buy equipment, which left me with very little money to continue making jewellery”. Thabisile also struggled to sell her clay jewellery at the price she was selling for, as she was not aware of the prices in the market. However, despite these challenges, Thabisile persevered and continued to work hard to build her brand.
What are your business highlights thus far? “One of the highlights of our jewellery business has been our participation in the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Projects (EJP), specifically the Silver Mentorship program. Through the program, I received interest-free silver loans, branded packaging, and banners to help market the business”. She also has a working station at EJP in Germiston, where she can manufacture her jewellery anytime she wants. Thabisile feels like a boss in this space, and it has been a significant highlight for her brand".
When Thabisile is not busy pushing her brand, she likes to watch movies and series to keep her spirit up. She enjoys anything that is positive and out of this world, which helps her stay focused and motivated.
Thabisile Msiza is a talented and dedicated jewellery designer who has overcome numerous challenges to establish her brand, TM Jewellery. Thembisile's passion for design and her ability to create unique and elegant pieces make her one of the most exciting and promising jewellery designers in South Africa.