North-West teen starts shoe business

When he was just 14 this young entrepreneur, North West born Utlwanang Mmeti started his sneaker business in his parent’s garage.

His business now has premises in Midrand and he shared with News24 that his dream is to create more jobs for the youth.

In the interview, he said he is determined to make a change and inspire and bring change to the lives of young South Africans.

To focus on his business venture, Mmeti has taken a gap which he said would enable him to focus on growing his business and the brand Dapper Shooz.

“I decided to take a gap year to focus on growing the brand,” Mmeti said.

He is quoted by the publication saying he has always had a love for fashion and shoes and recalled moments when he would visit the mall with his brother and see all the cool shoes with different designs on display.

“My brother and I would see many people at the shoe stores in the mall, many people would always try different shoes and styles, discussing what’s in and trending. Seeing that inspired me to start my shoe company,” said Mmeti.

Mmeti said started a business has taught him to be determined and never give up.

“Starting a business is a lot of work, and it requires hard work and dedication,” he said.

Growing up in a rural area, it is not easy to have access to certain things, Mmeti said but he hopes to inspire those with dreams to pursue them.

Mmeti said he looks up to businessman and entrepreneur Theo Baloyi, the founder of the Bathu, who is also in the business of making fashionable shoes.

“My parents are my immediate role models. They inspire me to be a better version of myself every day,” he said, adding that the owner of [the] Bathu shoe company is also his role model.

“I may not personally know him [Baloyi], but social media has enabled me to understand his work. Mmeti said: I read his posts daily, and I’m always motivated. He’s a change maker and an employer, and that’s what l want to do,” he concluded.

Editor’s note: At just 17 years of age, Utlwanang Mmeti, is a proud owner of a business that manufactures sneakers and takkies and intends to hire more young people as the business grows.

Description: Dapper was started by Mmeti in his parents’ garage in the North West province.

Editor: Anirlé de Meyer

Project manager: Anirlé de Meyer