What started as a simple clothing alteration has grown into a thriving business for Beauty La’Crochet, a handmade crochet brand founded by Onneile Kgosiejang, known for its unique designs and inspiring story of perseverance.
The journey began when Onneile bought a top that did not fit properly. Her mother altered it and later created another crochet top, which was posted on Facebook. The response was immediate, with people asking where they could buy it and how they could place orders.
“At first, my mother was the one designing and creating the pieces, but as the orders increased, she taught me how to crochet. That’s when I started developing my own skills and creating my own designs,” she said.
The business was also born out of a desire to create opportunities in the face of unemployment.
“Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me, I decided to create my own. What started as a simple Facebook post became a business that allows me to express my creativity and earn an income.”
One of the most rewarding moments in her journey came in 2025 when she sponsored two young women with custom-made matric dance dresses. Inspired by the support she received from family and friends during her own matric dance preparations, she saw it as an opportunity to give back.
“For me, it was about more than making dresses. It was about empowering young women, creating special memories and showing support to others, just as people once supported me,” she said.
Following the success of the initiative, Onneile is once again looking for young women who need assistance with their matric dance attire this year. Through Beauty La’Crochet, she hopes to sponsor and create beautiful handmade matric dresses for deserving learners, giving them the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated on their special day.
Like many entrepreneurs, she has faced challenges, particularly when it comes to building a customer base and gaining support. However, she remained committed to improving her craft through online tutorials, showcasing her work on social media and consistently delivering quality products.
Her hard work eventually earned her national recognition when she was featured on Trends Live on SABC 1 after showcasing her collection at Bram Fashion Week.
“Being featured on national television was a dream come true. It reminded me that hard work, consistency and believing in yourself can open doors you never imagined,” she said.
Looking ahead, Onneile has ambitious plans for Beauty La’Crochet. She hopes to grow the brand beyond a small local business and turn it into a sustainable enterprise that can create employment opportunities for others.
She also dreams of teaching crochet skills to young people, particularly those who are unemployed, and helping them discover how a skill can become a source of income and independence.
Her message to young people is one of hope and determination.
“Keep learning, work hard, believe in yourself and trust God’s timing. Start with what you have and continue developing your skills. A small beginning can grow into something bigger than you ever imagined.”
From humble beginnings to national recognition, Beauty La’Crochet continues to prove that passion, perseverance and creativity can be stitched together to create something truly meaningful.
