We all enjoy the feel-good messages that circulate on women’s day. However, without action all those quotes don’t mean much. One impactful way to empower women is to support female-owned businesses.

At the Wot-if? Trust, empowering Women has always been high on our agenda. Our Handcraft and Production programme is designed to create employment for older women by equipping them with the resources and skills needed to make handmade items (baby blankets, toys, ponchos, scarves, beanies) that are sold at markets. Their range can be viewed on their Facebook page, Africa Works, and orders can be placed by direct message (DM).

Our support of women in the Creative industries includes  filmmaking courses for women and support of women run businesses.  We encourage the participation of women in all our programmes, especially in the tech and creative space. Two of the ‘rising stars’ we are showcasing this month are women-led businesses.

The first is Alvada Creations, who are set to feature soon in Vogue Italy! They debuted at Torino Fashion Week last year and were invited back this year. Their second collection was as well received as the first, resulting not only in the Vogue feature but also an invitation to show at Uganda Fashion Week, which took place on the 5^th of August.

The label is run by designer Salva Thsukudu Pasha and her partner Thabang Maila. When asked what’s next for Alvada, the pair said that they were pushing hard to get a spot at SA Fashion Week. They are also negotiating a deal with a national retailer.  Their collection can currently be shopped in their online store.

If you’re Kaya FM listener, you’ve probably heard talk  of them venturing in to the E-commerce sector. One of their suppliers is Cynthia Thusi, the creator of Tlou Collections. Cynthia creates African themed corporate gifts. She has been a supplier to Kaya FM for some time, and now her beautiful picnic blankets can be found on shopkayafm.co.za

For now, the business operates out of her home in Diepsloot, but Cynthia has dreams of taking her brand global. She currently employs two women part time, and more on an ad hoc basis when she has large orders. Her goal is to use her business to empower more women and other black-owned businesses – a true Wot-if? Star! Cynthia also sells gorgeous handbags and purses to the public. View her range on Instagram (DM for orders).

By buying from local, female-owned businesses, you not only help support their families but also  the local economy, so put your money where your mouth is! All month, we’ll be introducing you to the other female entrepreneurs we support, so watch our social media pages.