The Sunday News
A LUPANE State University student has broken new ground in the printing business as his labels have gone international but says he has not reached the zenith of his career as he is still yearning for more success.
The 22-year-old entrepreneur, Tererai Ziwenga aka Bulawayo Hustler (after one of his labels) is a third-year student doing a degree in Development Studies. He has refused to be restricted by the geographical borders and has taken part of his work as far as Dubai, Canada, South Africa and Ghana.
Asked on who inspired him into the art of printing personalised t-shirts, Ziwenga said he was born an artiste.
“Well, I was born an artiste and I often ran into trouble with teachers for drawing during lesson time. I always wanted to wear sporting t-shirts that were personalised. After high school I found a job and worked in the printing industry,” he said.
It was there where he printed his own designs and friends started asking for them. This motivated him and he has never looked back since then.
The young lad said he drew inspiration from international star Marc Ecko.
“Ecko started selling t-shirts when he was young and now he has got a fortune from selling his name. As far as music is concerned I admire hip-hop artiste Cal_Vin Nhliziyo,” he said.
Ziwenga said he purchases the printing material from South Africa and the fabric is sourced locally while some is from Mauritius.
“My products (t-shirts, hoodies, college jackets, bottoms and snapback caps) are on their way to the shop, they will be available at Haddon and Sly. At the moment people can get them directly from me either via my facebook page (Bulawayo Hustler),” he said.
He added that the challenges he faced in business were mostly financial.
“I do not have the financial muscle to fully realise my potential. At one point I didn’t even have a labelled t-shirt of my own. I do the printing on a part-time basis as I am always at school but I try to balance school work and my business,” he said.
Ziwenga said at first he wasn’t recognised because he was doing his work underground.
“It’s not easy breaking into the market where there are well established players. However, with time I perfected my art and the ‘City of Kings’ label broke new ground for me and the locals have been supporting me,” he said.
“Currently I have two international labels, “Made In Africa” and “I’m African Don’t Panic”. The latter has been sold in Dubai, Canada, South Africa and Ghana and I hope to expand from there,” he added.
His work has been featured on ZBC TV’s YGT. It was also showcased at the Ibumba fashion show in December 2014.
“I have dressed Sulumani Chimbetu, Nama award nominees Pastor Olinda, Mzoe Seven and rapper L-Kat from Kwekwe as well as Kasi Lunatics, Shinsoman, Dj Mzoe among other artistes,” said Ziwenga.
Ziwenga popularised the “Number Plate” design, which as the name suggests, features a number plate design with a personalised name on it.
The young lad said up-and-coming designers should remain focused in their work despite the presence of esteemed designers.
He said he would embark on a clean-up campaign in the city with his friends from LSU, adding that young people should not be afraid of competition but should thrive on originality as well as have a good relationship with God.
