Photographer: Ronald Sibiya
The Waverley beauty started her business, KiCoco, formerly known as Little Gentleman, in 2016 while studying B. Consumer Science: Clothing Retail Management at the University of Pretoria. She made baby clothes as extra production hours for her degree before realising quickly enough that there is a big market for baby and toddler boys clothing.
In August of this year, she decided to expand the business to boys, girls, and unisex kids clothing up to the ages of 10. She also added locally produced baby vellies to the online store. The shift in products prodded Angeliz to change the name and says it was inspired by kids around the world and her love of coconuts and islands. “All our designs are based on inspiration gained from nature. We strive to be sustainable and are a 100 percent no waste brand. We use all of our off-cut fabrics in new designs and repurposing them for pillow covers and cushion stuffing,” she explains.
“I think starting a business so young is the ultimate thrill and definitely a good thing. Being so young I don’t have the responsibility of dependants and can take risks with the business without worrying that it will have an effect on anyone besides myself,” Angeliz says.
Running a business, completing her studies and working as a part-time model is no easy task at best. “It gets very difficult and tiring at times, but luckily I am a very driven and motivated person. I like to challenge myself constantly and I think that is what kept me going through the last three years of running my own business. I think the different disciplines also helps keep my mind fresh and prevents me from getting overwhelmed too quickly,” she says.
Although she initially did all the sewing herself, Angeliz these days has a few students and a small scale CMT (cut, make and trim factory) that helps with production.
She designs everything herself but says she gets her inspiration from the people around her, especially moms.
The former Waterkloof High school student was born and raised in the capital and says she always knew she wanted to one day work in fashion and hopefully one day own her own business. She just never expected it to be this soon.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned since starting my business is to rather do things the long and right way instead of the quick and easy way, because you will always have to fix the easy way later on.
But, what is it about clothing, especially kids clothing, that makes Angeliz so passionate about the industry?
“The clothing industry is very tough and competitive and seeing little kids especially babies in your designs, makes it so much easier. They just add an extra element of achievement to your designs,” she says.
While still in school, Angeliz decided to get into modelling, at first to boost her self-confidence but it evolved from there.
You might not expect this, but Angeliz loves spending time in nature, whether it is skydiving, hiking, mountain biking or simply reading a book.
She loves sushi and her favourite coffee shop to grab coffee with the girls is Aroma Gelato in Lynnwood Road. “Nothing beats a cup of coffee with a waffle and ice cream,” she laughs.
When work gets the better of her and it’s time to take a break, she spends a night in at home, watches series or for a proper pamper session heads to Ingaadi spa for a relaxing massage.
KiCoco will launch on 2 November 2019 in the Oh My Baby store in Menlyn Mall so make sure to swing by and grab a few pieces for the little people in your life. Alternatively you can visit www.littlegentlemenshop.com. Get It Pretoria readers will get a special 20% discount when shopping online. Just use the “GETIT20” promo code.
