I first “met” Nombuso during lockdown when she interviewed me for a segment on SABC about living with a rare condition during the pandemic. We have kept in contact, and she often sends me the most beautiful messages to keep me motivated and smiling.
Recently she contacted me to tell me about her most recent venture, where she is personalising Summer straw hats. I don’t know about you, but I have always seen these on Pinterest and Instagram, and have been wanting one of my own for the longest time, but had no idea where to order them from. I immediately jumped up and down, and told her I DEFINITELY wanted one of the blush pink ones. And now, I can’t wait for you to see more about her gorgeous business…
Your name: My name is Nombuso Mahlangu
Business name: Nombz Personalized Hats
Social media handles: Instagram and Twitter but I run my business mostly from WhatsApp: 0726847053 for all orders and enquiries
3 fun facts about you:
• I’m an avid reader but I sometimes buy more books than I read.
• I’m a good singer and think one day before I die, I’ll be a Superstar.
• I love pets, all pets and I sometimes borrow my neighbors cat without him knowing because Mia (the cat) and I have a special bond.
Tell me a little more about your business:
I started collecting summer hats when I would frequent Mozambique for my summer vacations, which I would take every year in November without fail. I then started seeing other travelers with their own personalized hats even if it wasn’t their names but if it was a group of girls they would all have a theme and embroid their hats accordingly.
One thing bothered me though I never saw those hats personalized in African names or South African names such, Lebo, Asanda, Rorie and I wanted to be the person who brings that joy to everyone by rendering such services.
When I discovered that I can do that, then the most exciting part of learning how to select fonts and digitize was amazing as I work with a guy named Clet, he knows how finicky I am about fonts for the names and he made that process a breeze.
The day I started I think I had two orders from a lady who works at Old Mutual and soon after I used her pictures everyone suddenly wanted.
I am super excited with where my business is going and can’t wait to work with more corporates.
What makes your hats different to others available: hahahahaha I love this question, literally no one can steal your hat because it has your name on it and straw hats are a definite lifesaver for the sun both for your face and shoulders. Plus I even have the super sizes.
How can people order from you: Yay my favorite part, people can reach me directly on WhatsApp 0726847053
Do you do custom orders: Yes, yes and yes that’s the whole point of the company. Doing what you want and how you want it.
What is the price range of these: R250 for the hat with anything you want embroidered + R99 courier fee – Only if you not around Joburg or Pretoria. I have my super size for R350.
Do you deliver throughout South Africa: yes I do
What are your different colour options:
• Cream white
• Black
• Blush pink
• Yellow
• Red
• Beige
• Tan
Quote you live by: Always show up!
I am SO excited to receive my hat – I have asked Nombuso to surprise me with the font and size of the hat. I promise I will be splashing this all over my social media pages, and with the extreme heat we are experiencing currently it is the perfect time to get your order in before she becomes too busy.
Why not get one as a gift for a friend that is getting married? I can just picture how cute this would be on a honeymoon, or even on a girls’ trip.
Nombuso, my dear friend, I am so grateful to have met you and I really wish you all the best with this very exciting venture. Sending you all the love and positive vibes that you deserve x
