Teen crochetier’s colourful crusade
She is a multi-talented artisan whose creative work is steadily turning heads.
The young Bobirwa native is a true jack of all trades: from hair plaiting to nails and make-up.
However, her true passion and the heartbeat of her creativity lies in sketch art.
Still only 19, Bobonong-born Segolame Lwandile Tawana is rapidly establishing herself as a skilled crochetier.
Introduced to stitches and handwork by her Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) teacher, Mma Mpho, as a Standard 6 student at Bobonong Primary School, Tawana was hooked.
Following endless hours of practice, painstakingly refining her technique over the years, on 20 April 2024, with the full backing of family and friends, the teenager finally felt good enough to start a professional business.
Determined to gauge how her art would be received beyond her home area, Tawana stepped out of her comfort zone and relocated to Letlhakane, a completely foreign environment.
The move proved a masterstroke, as she has gradually made inroads and cultivated a loyal clientele in the Boteti diamond-mining township.
“I wanted to showcase the beauty, creativity and fashion value behind crocheting and wool-work to a wider audience across the country,” she explains.
“What started as a small personal skill quickly grew into a business after I realised that my work could bring beauty, confidence and income.”
With sketch art temporarily taking a back seat, Tawana is now focused on interlocking loops of yarn to create colourful pieces such as hats, flip-flops, hair ribbons, scarves and other accessories.
Her brilliance is evident in the fine detail of her products, a quality that has seen demand for her services sky-rocket.
“I’m naturally a multi-talented artisan. I have a strong eye for colour combinations, creativity and detail. I take my time with every stitch to ensure perfection, quality and durability. My work is not rushed; each piece is carefully crafted to reflect excellence and individuality,” says Tawana, whose colourful creations match her bright personality.
With the festive season over, Tawana is already focusing on the New Year and looking for fresh opportunities.
She admits the holidays were draining but fruitful.
To prepare for the avalanche of orders, the crafty ‘hooker’ planned ahead by producing many products well in advance.
“I increased my stock, introduced festive-themed designs, and ran promotions through creative adverts to attract more customers. Preparation is key in this industry, and I make sure I don’t wait for the rush to begin before acting. I was able to cope with the pressure that came during the festive season because I manage my time carefully, set clear schedules and prioritise orders. Discipline and planning are essential when demand increases,” she told Voice Money.
Even with her impressive organisation, Tawana sometimes found herself working through the night to deliver on time.
“There are moments when clients urgently request specific colours that are not readily available and expect delivery by morning. This forces me to work overnight. While physically demanding, I enjoy working under pressure because it challenges me, sharpens my skills and pushes me to grow professionally,” notes the young entrepreneur.
Client pressure is not the only hurdle she faces.
High transport costs, especially when moving between villages and towns to deliver products or meet clients, as well customers who renege on payment timelines prove frustrating obstacles.
“The biggest challenge is the lack of funds for materials, transport, marketing and expansion. I also don’t yet have a fixed workspace, which limits visibility. In addition, specialised equipment such as crocheting machines for larger projects is expensive and currently out of reach, making it difficult to take on bulk orders,” she said.
Still, the go-getter refuses to dwell on setbacks, choosing instead to focus on growing her brand.
The tech-savvy artist also uses social media to reach clients and potential customers.
Through TikTok and Facebook, she has been able to connect with people beyond her immediate location, interact directly with customers and build a recognisable brand presence.
With growing recognition, Tawana plans to build and officially register Divine Touch Creations.
Her vision extends beyond crocheting, as she plans to expand into fashion design, sketch art, nail art, make-up and hair services.
“Ultimately, I aim to establish a large creative complex that brings all these services together, creates employment opportunities, empowers young people and contributes meaningfully to Botswana’s creative economy,” says the big-dreaming teen with conviction.
In her parting shot, the teenager urged her peers and other young people to discover and nurture their talents.
“Turn your gift into a business, develop a clear brand, and don’t wait for perfect conditions start now. Put God first, trust yourself, stay consistent and don’t despise small beginnings. Your talent can open doors you never imagined and even shock you,” Tawana testifies – she’s living proof of these words!
