Thoko beza: founder of teebes textiles  

Orson Scott Card, an American writer once said: “Unemployment is capitalism’s way of getting you to plant a garden.’’

Thoko Beza is one of many people who was jobless for a longtime and never loved the experience.

She tried many ways to earn a living through different types of businesses, but to no avail.

She later joined the textiles business and later founded a successful company called Teebes Textiles.

Teebees was established in 2012 and it was born entirely out of passion.

Thoko invested money she made back into the business because she wanted to create more jobs for the youth and women.

She is glad and thankful it’s happening.

Teebees is a company that makes industrial garments such as work suits, security guard uniforms, sweaters, school uniforms and all kind of bags, including leather, embroidery and knitting.

Over the years she has created job opportunities for more than 20 people in her company.

Thoko’s vision is to make her company become Malawi’s first choice textile and garment manufacturer.

However, her drive is to be both customer and community focused, leading in innovation, quality design and production capacity through the adoption of cutting edge technology and value addition services.

“I have learnt that exposure is very important. I am privileged to have traveled to different countries by God’s grace and I have seen how textile industry performs globally. I have always dreamt of doing the same at home. My dream is to stop people from going to China for simple things that can be made locally,” she explained.

When asked why she chose to focus on textile manufacturing, Thoko said she is passionate about textile and she had seen a gap in the industry.

She observed that there is a lot of demand for clothing in Malawi, for example golf shirts, sweaters, work suits and weaving fabrics, the majority of which are imported.

To balance customers’ needs and local community to meet the global textile industry demands and quality standards in the community, the entrepreneur boasts of high quality products.

However, she said they are open to new ideas to remain relevant to customers.

Thoko is a 10th born in a family of 12. Her father was a commercial farmer in Rumphi whose business inspired her to start her own with her sister.

She did her primary school in Rumphi and went to Phwezi Girls Secondary School and Macey Williams Girls Secondary School.

Later, she went to South Africa where she did her college.

“Growing up, I always thought of doing business. At the age  of 7 together with my younger sister, I would try to make something and think of selling it. When we finished secondary school, we ventured into business,” she said.

Thoko is happy to see her customers happy for delivering the best quality designs.

She added: “A successful business in Malawi is not easy, but I am grateful for growth accelerator, mHub, UNDP, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute, National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade Hub, JICA , Ministry of Trade, Social Impact Incubator  and other partners who have come along with us.

“Growth Acceletor helped us purchase some of our machinery we use and it boosted our output. I have attended many international and local business management trainings and tour visits. We have created more jobs and more impact. Thanks to growth accelerator for the opportunity.”

Every time Thoko looks at a youth with education, but struggling to get a job, it pains her and she finds it uncomfortable because she has experience with joblessness.

She created this brand which has also created job opportunities to more than 15 Malawians.

The employer hopes to recruit more people by the end of next year.

“My advice to everyone would be to follow your passion, turn it to a business and do a lot of research. Believe in yourself that you can be your own boss and employ others,” she said.

One of the biggest factors that have helped her to be successful is passion and focus.

She said people should never give up because it takes time to see the results of one’s hard labour.

The designer went further to say she has been discouraged before, but hard work, reading a lot and consistency have always carried her through.

“To be full time in business and having a family it’s not easy to balance, but I thank God that both me and my husband are business people. We support each other in everything we do and my siblings were very supportive to my businesses from the very beginning. That’s why I have reached this far.

“Mistakes are many, but I never dwell on them. I learn from them and move on,” she said.

She noted that many people fear when a woman is financially stable, assuming she has no regard for her family.

“Assure them your motive is good.  And I also encourage family members to always give someone a chance. People are different. Never penalise someone for someone’s sins. Am glad my family was very supportive since day one,” she narrated.

To all young women who aspire to do better and make a difference, Thoko encourages them to focus on their passion and never be afraid to start a business.

“Close your eyes to those that talk failure. Work hard, have a vision, work towards achieving your vision, continue learning and never give up. Put God first in all that you do. Prayer works even in business,” she said.

During her free time, she is either with her family and friends or reading and researching about textiles.