Amanda Mlevu, Sunday Life Reporter
THREE women have come together as “Fashion Fusion” and blended their tastes in the fashion industry turning themselves into fashion icons in Bulawayo.
Shylet Mundiro (28), Bridget Mundiro (30) and Sithembinkosi Dube (28) used to work together at the same company and had the same zeal to elevate fashion in Zimbabwe to greater heights.
Fashion Fusion has been able to dress prominent people in Zimbabwe the likes of 1st runner up Miss Universe Amanda Mpofu, Sky’s Metro presenter Miss Gee, Minister Lindani and Zolile Mtshayisa.
“People have noticed our beautiful dresses and by the grace of God we have been able to dress up some of the members of Pusheka Girls and social influencer,” said Mundiro.
Dube said as a company, they were now engaging the community to get their ideas on fashion so that they infuse them in their designs.
“We also dressed some pageants from Miss Planet and showcased our products at the Fashion Battle Show that was held at the Grand Vista sometime in July this year and was hosted by Boom Steeve,” said Dube.
In as much as they have gained popularity Fashion Fusion said they have also been exposed to many challenges that affect their business such as financial constraints.
“As ladies let’s open our businesses and break the status quo of working for other people, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Our business was not successful in the beginning, we had challenges in reaching out to our target market during the first few months but that could not stop us,” said Mundiro.
The company was founded in July last year and has been operating since then.
Their journey has, however, not been a walk in the park and they have decided to intensify their marketing strategies and use social media, business cards to advertise their designs to reach out to many and skirt around some of the costs associated with marketing.
“Another challenge we faced was shortage of materials here in the City of Bulawayo, so we had to source from South Africa and Harare and that affected us in terms of meeting customer deadlines.”
Fashion Fusion said as the youth they have a goal to be in the forefront of setting fashion trends and bring about fashion transformation in Bulawayo.
“We want to support networking and connection through fashion, provide quality products on time, ensure that we satisfy our clients’ expectations and encourage young ladies to be empowered with skills and knowledge,” said Dube.
Fashion Fusion said they wish to spread their brand across the country so as to expand their territory and they are also open to advice and new ideas from fellow Bulawayo residents and sponsors.