Business lessons from @Tlale_Large Edgars workshop

Friday 26th of August was the day that the iconic designer, the first African to host a solo show at New York Fashion Week hosted a show in Harare at Meikles. In the morning he gave a designer’s workshop “Runway to Retail” which was altogether worthy for all startup entrepreneurs to hear.

I missed the press conference, wuuuu shame talk about changing department and not have anyone tell me about it. The fashion show later started after I suffered trauma from the riots in town, I panick a lot.

So here I was star struck by David Tlale. To my pleasant surprise, he was a well mannered and humble South African man with impeccable style and an aura that exudes “hard work ethic”.

While his fashion footprint around the world is known and never disappoints. I discovered how he is talented in motivational speaking for entrepreneurs. He said a lot of the things Bank CEO of Barclays said at BOOST Fellowship launch on entrepreneurship.
Key take home lessons

    Do not Imitate. Never wish to be the next [insert name]. There is only one of them and there is only one you. Become your own human with your own road and story to glory
    Be authentic. Never borrow inspiration from others.
    Have a vision board. Know where you are going and the whole route. Have a plan and know what you stand for. You cannot be everything to everyone.
    Diversify your business, in mind of what you stand for. Best to do one thing so well and excel at it than have too many things done shoddily.
    EDUCATION. Know your craft go to school for your dream. Get the basics from school and you are able to do the things. Get trained in your field and know how to do everything as you start out.
    Experience is important and you can be great working in a firm or have your own thing. Be an expert and leading influence in whatever your field. Experience will teach you skills as you venture out.
    Know vibes from working with people in your team. Wrong vibe and destructive attitude will not work if you intend to excel.
    Participate in competitions and justify price point with your global relevance. He invested in NEW YORK Fashion week and competitions gave him exposure. Hence more applications for me.
    The grass is not always greener when you start on your own. Customers might bail on you and life is hard.It takes time and no quick buck, 14 years later he is where he wants to be now.
    Make love to your work. From foreplay to the act of production to completion.

THIS is only a few of the lessons learnt, but his honesty was refreshing. Many people attended his show but not enough people have heard him speak his heart and soul on being a creative.

When Black People uplift other Black People like David did it is absolutely a proud time to be African