31 October 2017

From Rags to the Richies - Humbu Vhulahani

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team
From Rags to the Richies - Humbu Vhulahani

Humbu Vhulahani is the founder & CEO of Man-Made Executive Wear, an Image Consultant, Fashion Designer, and Fashion Stylist.  Born in Johannesburg Soweto and raised in Venda Khubvi village.

For Humbu Vhulahani, growing up in the dusty streets of a village called Khubvi in Venda, a rural area with limited opportunities and amenities, against all odds it didn’t stop him to build an empire for himself ‘Man Made Executive Wear” working as an Image Consultant doesn’t seem like a career choice, but a fate that he could not resist from an early age.

He matriculated at Mphaphuli high school, same High School attended by our Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With over a decade of professional designing and styling experience, Humbu has designed and styled some of our favorite entertainers, politicians, businessmen, radio personalities and TV productions.

He notes that his career has been a journey with many lessons learned, attesting that nothing comes easily.

During this interview, shared some of the best lessons. He can teach us all a thing or two about chasing our goals and creating our own empire.

Tell us about yourself and your career so far, how did it all start?
I was born in Johannesburg Soweto and then moved to Venda when I was seven years old and lived there for most of my childhood life. I grew up in the dusty streets of a village called Khubvi. A rural area without many opportunities and amenities. I insisted in to spend my school holidays in Johannesburg because I knew will be more exposed. I spent most of my childhood with my mother and siblings while my father worked hard to give us a life he imagined.

I remember the CV I wrote when I was 18 years old, it had Image consultant on it. I knew nothing about image consultant then, just loved the sound of it and I was always the go-to guy when it comes to fashion, style and image advice.

I began to design, testing with photographers and building my book, making the right contacts and the rest is history. My career so far has been a journey of travel, experiences, and lesson learned.

Who is an image consultant?
An image consultant is someone who works on helping you build an image that you want others to have of you. In a world where perception is a reality, it is important that we set the right first impression. An image consultant can work on either one, two or all pillars to improve your image –

Appearance – You’re dressing habits, styling, accessories, and wardrobe patterns.

Behavior – What you portray through your actions and body language.

Communication – How well do you convey what you think into words and convey your thoughts.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be like you?
Stud your field, getting a little fashion history under your belt can really help understand their vision and know what they are talking about.

I never really had a mentor, so I learned mostly on my own, it was a hard and costly road. I would highly recommend a mentor. Assisting can really give you an insight into what this career is really about and if it’s really something you want to do.

What obstacles did you face growing up?
Growing up in a less developed community, I wish there was a way we could’ve been taught about starting a business and found the necessary development. I knew from a young age that I did not want to work for anyone and belong in business.  It was hard convincing parents and everyone around that you want to go into business without any relevant qualification or knowledge. I basically had to go about it the hard way.

What life lessons did you learn growing up?
It’s important to expose yourself as much as possible which has the direct impact on your dreams.

No matter what is your dream to do, with dedication and exposure you can achieve it.

If you could choose anyone to give a makeover, who would it be and why?
ANC SG Gwede Mantashe - I think he needs it hahaha

What advice would you give an up and coming fashion stylist?
Confidence is the rule number 1 in this game.

Don’t follow trends, have your own agenda.

How important is fashion?
Fashion is extremely important in one’s life. Look at it as a confidence booster and non-verbal communication. You are able to communicate and express who you are, your mood and state of mind through fashion without uttering a word.

What are your plans for the future?
Diversifying into construction.

You can connect and check out Humbu’s brand www.mamadeexec.com

Social media ManMade Executive Wear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLwt8thcRo