In the world of fashion, creativity knows no bounds. It’s a realm where the past blends seamlessly with the present, and where personal style is a canvas for self-expression. Samkelisiwe Viwe Tshetsha, a talented fashion designer from Mthatha, Eastern Cape, understands this better than most. In this interview, we delve into Samkelisiwe’s educational journey, her thriving thrift shop Modekhai, and her aspirations as she embarks on a new chapter with the iGoda incubation program.
Education and Early Challenges
Samkelisiwe’s journey into the world of fashion began with a dream and a desire to nurture her creative spirit. She pursued her education in Fashion Design and Technology at the prestigious Tshwane University of Technology. However, the rigorous demands of her academic pursuits led to a period of slacking and demotivation.
“Studying fashion design was both a dream and a challenge,” Samkelisiwe reflects. “The pressure and workload in school resulted in me slacking and becoming demotivated.” Many aspiring designers can relate to the pressures of a demanding curriculum, but Samkelisiwe’s determination would ultimately prevail.
The Birth of Modekhai: Expressing Unique Style
Samkelisiwe’s unique style and passion for clothing had always set her apart. From a young age, she had a knack for putting together distinctive outfits that reflected her personality. This love for fashion naturally led her to start buying and selling second-hand clothing, laying the foundation for her thrift shop, Modekhai.


“Since I could pick my own clothes, I always had a unique style and way of putting clothes together,” Samkelisiwe explains. “I have always expressed myself through clothing so much that I would buy and sell second-hand clothing which was the start of my thrift shop, Modekhai.”
Modekhai, Samkelisiwe’s brainchild, resonates with individuals seeking unique, vintage-inspired fashion pieces. It’s a testament to her ability to curate and craft outfits that are both timeless and expressive.
Sewish Ultima: Crafting Ambiance of Grace and Luxury
Sewish Ultima emerged as a natural progression for Samkelisiwe. It was her desire to create garments from scratch, exploring designs and styles that she hadn’t been exposed to previously. This endeavor is a testament to her commitment to crafting garments that exude grace and luxury.



“I believe what sets me apart is the feeling that my garments exude onto my clients,” Samkelisiwe shares. “I like to create garments that compliment and add on to the already existing beauty that each person has been gifted with.”
Samkelisiwe’s creations at Sewish Ultima reflect her dedication to making her clients feel beautiful and confident. Her designs are more than just clothes; they are a reflection of her passion and her commitment to enhancing the beauty of every individual.
The iGoda Incubation Program: A New Horizon


As Samkelisiwe embarks on a new chapter in her fashion journey, she has applied for the iGoda incubation program. This decision is driven by her desire for industry-specific guidance and the opportunity to be surrounded by passionate, like-minded creatives.
“Recurring trends, fashion is a never-ending cycle; it’s interesting to see stuff that was worn in earlier times becoming relevant again today,” Samkelisiwe notes. She recognizes iGoda as a fashion house that nurtures upcoming designers into pioneers who understand all technical aspects of the fashion industry.
With iGoda, Samkelisiwe hopes to polish her garment construction skills and improve the quality of her work. She also aspires to expand her reach into the Durban market and challenge herself to create designs that appeal to the masses, opening doors to the retail industry.
“I would like to dive deeper into the garment construction operations such as types of seams, finishing methods, pattern manipulation, and other sewing techniques at large,” she emphasizes.
Samkelisiwe’s journey in the world of fashion is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Her unique style, thriving thrift shop, and commitment to crafting garments that exude grace and luxury set her apart in the industry. With the iGoda incubation program as her new canvas, Samkelisiwe Viwe Tshetsha is poised to make even more significant waves in the fashion world, leaving her mark on the ever-evolving tapestry of style.