Business Focus:
Kariega-based lecturer Angelona Williams has taken her love of education, one step further by looking at learners holistically and starting a business that offers affordable school wear.
Williams who is well known for her various charity endeavours such as the matric farewell #Fixhercrown project started NACAH Schoolwear to provide school uniforms to schools in the western areas of Kariega. She has since branched out doing various items including work uniforms.
“I opened this business in two weeks before the lockdown. I identified a gap in the school wear market as there is only one other shop in Uitenhage that supplies school wear. The sole purpose for opening this business was to provide jobs and school wear at a price as offered by competitors – to serve “our” people,” said Williams.
The business named after the Hebrew word meaning, “to magnify God”. has since diversified offering custom orders and embroidery services, framing, curtains and alteration
Although Williams has learnt pattern making and sewing from her aunts growing up, she is more at home on the administration and design side of the business, leaving the sewing to her team.
“We have five permanent staff members and two temporary employees. They have needlework skills, embroidery skills and excellent people skills,” she says.
Apart from school wear, NACAH gets a lot of their income from tracksuits and branded t-shirts, and has been pleasantly surprised by the popularity of branded satin scarves.
The business focuses on keeping costs low, so all students can have the same uniform regardless of financial situation.
Although Williams admits that keeping her prices low limits profits and that load-shedding has hampered growth, she is excited about the future.
“I want to have a large factory where I can employ more people. I want to deliver excellence every time, all the time and keep improving, “ she says adding that she hopes to start an online line service and diversify to include designer clothing for babies and toddlers.
NACAH Schoolwear is on Facebook and Instagram and can be contacted via WhatsApp 0832369609 or 0719599113 or email: nacahschoolwear@gmail.com
Leave a Reply