We reached out to Ellah Mahopa, the founder of Pretty Simple Int., to hear about her entrepreneurial journey. Read her moving words down below!

My name is Ellah Mahopa and I’m the founder of PS Int. Thank you so much for this platform you have created for us small businesses and inspire us to keep working hard.

I'm a young black business owner who has watched all her wildest dreams come to life in the past 6 months. From immigrating to South Africa 15 years ago, working on international cruise ships to now owning a fully functioning e-commerce store.

The vivid memories of the nights that my sister and I would sleep in the church basement in Yeoville, Johannesburg and our mom would wake us up early in the morning to make sure no one finds us sleeping when the church members arrive for service are ingrained into my mind.

I also remember the hope in my eyes at the back of a Nissan car crossing the border seeking a better life in Johannesburg. Creating a brand hasn’t been easy, sometimes I would break down on my mother’s chest when suppliers disappointed me and didn’t meet deadlines. This led me to learn how to sew in just a week, and I learnt an even more valuable life lesson, how to pick myself up from disappointment. It truly has all been a mind blowing journey .

I'm 24 years old and I can truly say I have seen God's hand over my life. I strongly feel that it's our responsibility as people that have experienced miracles in our life to share the hope and hard work with this that might feel that it is not possible.

When did you start your business?

The 15th of November 2020.

Why did you decide to become a business owner?

I had the burning desire to create clothing that I could never find in stores!

How much time did it take your business to earn a profit?

Everything I make gets reinvested into the business; purchasing materials, making new samples, hiring photographers and paying for marketing.

How would you describe your company's success so far?

Every single email confirming an order brings tears to my eyes. To think that a client believes in what I make and supports me confirms that I’m doing something right.

Where do you see your business in the future?

I see the business having a fully functioning studio with tailors so I have more time to spend on product development. I’d also love to be on the cover of a magazine, I think ​​it would be such a highlight. Lastly I want to create a platform that encourages young entrepreneurs to keep reaching for their dreams.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt throughout all of this is to never give up and to keep striving against all odds!

Learn more and shop Pretty Simple at:https://prettysimple-int.com