About two years ago I found myself with a “dollar and a
dream” bolting from STS(small town syndrome) because of how cocooned my
expression became. I remember finding myself at a space at my job where it just
couldn’t get any better. Ever felt peak has been achieved and you just can’t
grow anymore? Days became monotonous. Conversations became repetitive. My
vision became blurred of other people that expressed themselves. Styles and
trends had no individuality and I started to look like my friends. I knew deep
down life had more to offer to be productive during the week and party like a
rock star during weekends. My soul felt caged some days. I had to be cured from
this. At times one becomes so loyal to the syndrome that the expansion of your
thoughts is non-existent.
As I typed my resignation letter I could genuinely feel the
cover of imprisonment plunging off and the excitement of possibility. Still
very uncertain about my travelling arrangements. School wasn’t secured I certainly
wasn’t certain about accommodation in Cape Town but I did know that I HAD
NOTHING ANYWAY,SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO LOOSE so why not just chase the dream.
A few days before I was to receive my 13th cheque, I really just
wanted to do something for the kids in my street and a good friend of mine,
Lekhanyisa Mkiva had organized a lunch for all the street kids. I remember my
friend getting of the phone and told me that his mom said : “Tell Gift that he
will be blessed” I knew that meant something . But I also believed that it had
meant something. I thought! Hell yeah, I could do with blessings!....
I had to leave on this specific Sunday and the buses were
all fully booked. But that didn’t stop a hungry and determined soul! I went out
the Saturday night, trusting that it was going to be my very last day in
Upington. A bus ticket not booked, I guess all I could think of was being in
Cape Town and never how I am getting there. Somewhat I have always been a soul
that gives imagination the glory. I went to the club dancing like I was getting
paid (hahaha, don’t I always) and saying my goodbyes to people. I remember as I
went out, still wondering how I am going to leave and when? All fashion schools
in Cape Town were getting full.
A friend Moses, told me that he is leaving for
Cape Town in the next 2 hours and that I could grab a lift. Because things
always fall in place I silently thank God and well…I was happy. Left for Cape
Town and got school against all odds.
As I was still staying with family friends of mine in some
neighborhood, not very far from contracting the STS again. I still felt caged
and not the expected liberation. Imagine a free spirited, expressionist and a
creative soul being in a house where he watches 7de Laan, have supper and sit
and hours of small town gossip! My soul felt in rage! But I couldn’t care less,
im on a train every morning to fashion school. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER.
I
had to move out one day or the other and had no idea where to go. I remember
going to class, always cheerful till the thought of where I will sleep tonight
spikes the last nerve and worry in me. Wynaand Booysen. My very first best
friend picked me up and would patiently listen to my cry. In the midst of all
the worries I somewhat found time to pay attention to my libido and emotions. I
met The Solani’s. Amazing people who didn’t have the most but they had
abundance of familyship and love. I needed that when I think of it now. It had
humbled me and see myself as lucky for I have.
I lived with them still praying I
could find my own place at the OM Building with a balcony. Visiting a friend of
mine I would pass the place imagining I stay In that very specific room. I
started working extra hard. Friend in class became competition. Smiles in class
became more fake and getting compliments from fellow classmates always seemed
like a pain in anyone’s face to give.The only true friend I had was Chante in
class. I felt how I am slowly growing. And it was at an unstoppable speed. I remember
times I would have no funds to make t to school but I would still get to class.
It was beautifully hard. I loved it. I knew I had the wisdom to see the beauty of
my struggle, to recognize Gods presence in my life as I felt alone but never lonely.
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| THE LOGO TO THE NEW CLOTHING LINE. |
I met amazing people along the way. It has been a year already! I find myself
in the room with the balcony t the OM Building. I find myself happy and raping
every single opportunity that comes my way :-). Recently scored an internship
with IFA-(Mercerdez Benz FASHION Week) Signed my first clothing line,Kgosiray deal
with Raymonde which is just amazing! I am not a 90% student ,it’s not my aim.
Im a skill full and creative student and the aim is to develop that.
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| ANCIENT DRESS UP COMPETITION AT SCHOOL AND I WON. |
Blessings are like water when you are thirsty, but you gotta
be nailed by the thirst before water becomes available. I am grateful for my
wisdom that I have accumulated throughout my struggle. I am thank full for my
talent and am loyal to using it. I will fight with whatever is left in me to
achieve what I want to, never compare myself to any and to count all my
blessings.
Get your attitude right! Tap into your positive thoughts about your
future and capitalize on it. It weird how panicking and thinking the worst when
results are unknown. Why not give faith and imagination a fighting chance. Don’t
escape your blessings by being negative.
Blessings will never escape you when you trust in a living
God.
