Mzansi On Notice: uThingo
Mzansi On Notice: UThingo
We had a little chat with Wandile Khumalo co-founder of uThingo Collective a brand that is not only empowering but creating awareness for the LGBTQI community. It's stunning and makes a statement of camaraderie.
Welcome To Mzansi Avenue, thank you for joining us. How are you?
Wandile Khumalo: I'm good thanks and you? Thank you for having me.
MCK!NG: I'm great thanks, so let's get to it, what is uThingo and when was it established?
MCK!NG: Wow and what inspired the brand?
Wandile Khumalo: Initially the brand was inspired by myself; Aphiwe Thengwa and Wandile Khumalo's love for clothes and looking good. It then grew from that,where we realized that we don’t want it to be just another t-shirt brand,we wanted it to be very broad and open to everyone under the umbrella. It was also inspired by our passion of activism and wanting our voices to be heard and wanting to shine light on ordinary people you meet on the street everyday instead of your usual well known faces that we already know their stories.
MCK!NG: Impressive and uplifting, can you tell us about how you met and a bit about who you are and what you do?
Wandile Khumalo: Aphiwe Thengwa and Wandile are behind uThingo collective. Aphiwe is a 24 year old female originally from eMatatiela Eastern Cape but moved to Durban in 2008. She is a creative person who specializes in the media department but not professionally. Aphiwe is a sports lover who happens to also be a rugby coach. Aphiwe is a patient and caring individual,a daughter and a sister who at most times is introverted.Wandile is born and bred in Durban. First love is rugby then the camera and then everything else can follow. Wandile Khumalo is an uncle, a mentor , a creative, rugby coach and a lover of things. Most passionate about representation and changing the narrative to make the world a better place for those who will come after me. They say you become what you see in this world, if you style icon. You yourself will be a style icon.Its quite obvious how we met,through Rugby! Then the camera and the passion of looking good in the process.
MCK!NG: Truly beautiful. Any new collection in the works that we can expect from you?
Wandile Khumalo: We are currently working on something but we're not going to say anything yet because we don’t want to spoil the surprise. We are working on a new range and design which will involve the community and our followers,something that we truly believe in and the vision behind uThingo collective
MCK!NG: Sounds interesting and epic, what is your long-term goal with this brand?
Wandile Khumalo: Our long-term goal is to be nationwide and also shipping abroad. Owning our own outlets would be the cherry on top and having created a platform to diverse bodies to be mainstream models that would also be incredible. But mostly importantly existing and be visible is the ultimate GOAL. For people to know that uThingo is a Queer brand that doesn’t discriminate. Also Educating people that inclusivity and diversity is no SIN but it’s a Blessing.
MCK!NG: How can people get in touch with you if ever they wanna place in an order?
Wandile Khumalo: People can get in touch with us on Instagram @uthingocollective and Facebook @uthingocollective as well.
MCK!NG: Do you think the more people you reach the more impact the brand creates?
Wandile Khumalo: It is important for people to know that we exist and that we uplift and do great things for the community as we also need the community working in harmony with us, hence our page is named uthingocollective because we believe in doing things as a collective instead of doing it ourselves without involving the community.
MCK!NG: Wow that's truly awesome, this is one brand to look out for. I'm so excited for you and the continued success, thank you for joining us.
Wandile Khumalo: It's a pleasure.
Wandile & Aphiwe are serving empowerment, inspiration and an impact to unify and work in peace. Their brand isn't one that just secures the bag, before anything: it cares. Truly amazing. Well that's it for today, join us next time. Remember to follow them on Facebook @uThingoCollective From Me to You God bless and Bliss. 🎉🎈💯❤️🤞🏼
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