Starting a new hobby or interest may seem simple, but continuing and improving on it is different. It's even more challenging if you are also studying full-time.
This is the case with entrepreneur Joel Malesela Khoele, the tailor. Growing up, Joel had limited opportunities for growth and success. Joel had to be a one-person band to get to where he is today.
What is most impressive about this fourth-year student of Industrial Psychology is his versatility. Before becoming the best-known tailor on the Mahikeng Campus (and even beyond), he was first a dancer and a plumber in high school.
"I was first known as Joel, the dancer, and I was not a born plumber, but I had to get my hands dirty to get the life I wanted, as my mom could not afford to buy me the type of clothes I wanted as a dancer," says Joel.
His love of sewing and knitting started while pursuing his dancing career. As he could not afford to buy new and expensive clothing, he had to ask a friend to alter it for him. He watched how his friend made the alterations and thought he could do this himself.
His confidence grew, and before long, he started his own business, Patrao Stitch by Stitch, specialising in sewing, knitting, cutting, and altering clothes.
"In February 2020, I bought a sewing machine to develop the business, and I never looked back from that day. Now it's 2023, three years that I have been here, and I can confidently say that I have made a name for myself,” Joel adds.
"Things have been improving since I started working with my assistant Boikobo Mushi, a first-year psychology student. I appreciate her efforts in helping me grow Patrao as a business."
Joel emphasises that Patrao is here to give young people hope and motivate them to keep going for what their hearts desire, even when no one else believes in them.
