Ditsala Designs Creation, was founded and is owned by Koketso Mpho Mohlala from Soshanguve in Pretoria. After her completing her matric and attaining her tertiary education qualification. Koketso, completed a number of jewellery-making learnerships and partook in various jewellery projects. In 2015, she was granted a scholarship to study in Italy, where she obtained a European Master Diploma in Goldsmith, Gemstone Setting and Design. When asked about her inspiration behind Ditsala Designs, she added saying, “I started Ditsala because I wanted to leave a legacy and promote our rich heritage. Young Africans are following trends that are set by Americans, forgetting our heritage is so full of colour, style and class. I am setting an African trend.”
· Ditsala Designs is inspired by African culture · It produces; rings,bracelets, earrings, bangles, neckpieces, belts, headpieces and keyrings · Ditsala Designs has 3 major ranges; Fashion Freak (street style), Africa is mine (African Style) and I am here (for the limelight chasers) · Each piece is uniquely designed and finely handcrafted using South African material
Ditsala, proudly supplies more than 10 local and international stores, namely; The Space, Ledika (OR Tambo), Zulu Africa Design Emporium, Autumn (Johannesburg), South Tribe (Mpumalanga), Sibu Msimang (Durban), Bow Tribe (Botswana), Sassy Jones Boutique (US), Matemasie (Uration – US), Just Africa (Sweden), Eyona (Australia) as well as Lady Africa (Netherlands).
In terms of growth, sustainability and empowerment opportunities · Ditsala Designs are incubated at the Platinum Incubator · They operate at their own jewellery manufacturing studio which is self funded · They hold a number of PopUp Markets with the aim of gaining more clients and sustaining their cash flow · They have 2 full-time and 3 part-time employees · In the instance where Ditsala is faced with bulk orders, they outsources with smaller local stores. With the aim of sharing in the economy, creating employment opportunity and fighting poverty.
With regards to future short-term plans, Koketso hopes to take the Ditsala Design Creations brand to; · Exhibit in Paris and Dubai · To travel to Kenya and Ghana to learn more about African jewellery · To supply to more chain stores · To showcase at the Design Indaba again, as well as SA Fashion Week, Nigeria Fashion Week and Africa Fashion Week Barcelona. Ditsala short-term goals include;purchasing more tools and machinery to aid in production as well as to purchase a second and bigger manufacturing studio.