Interview With Ms. Mathabo Mosala: Thabstabita Accessories Founder

At the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship stands Mathabo Mosala, the visionary jeweller behind Thabstabita Accessories, a South African manufacturing and accessories brand redefining contemporary style. Founded in 2023 and officially registered in March 2024, Thabstabita Accessories is built on a foundation of innovation, precision, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Drawing from her training at Orbit TVET College, Mosala combines modern design principles with rich cultural influences to produce accessories that speak to both elegance and identity. StartUpMag managed to have an interesting conversation with Mathabo about her journey as an entrepreneur, her experience with The Jewellery Village and how she built Thabstabita Accessories. Read all about it below!

What inspired the creation of Thabstabita Accessories?

Thabstabita Accessories was inspired by a deep love for art, culture, and individuality. Each creation tells a story a story of strength, beauty, and self-expression. The brand was born from the idea that accessories are more than decorations; they are symbols of identity, carrying emotions, memories, and creativity. Drawing inspiration from nature, African artistry, and modern design, Thabstabita merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style. Every handmade piece reflects the spirit of resilience, elegance, and authenticity celebrating those who wear their confidence with pride.

How does your training at Orbit TVET College influence your craft?

Orbit TVET College played a vital role in shaping Thabstabita Accessories. It was more than just a place of learning, it was where creativity met craftsmanship. Through hands-on training and exposure to design, business, and production skills, Orbit helped transform raw passion into a professional art form. The college encouraged innovation, discipline, and entrepreneurship, which became the foundation of Thapstabita’s unique identity. It was at Orbit that the vision to turn art into wearable stories truly came alive combining technique with creativity, and learning how to bring ideas from imagination to reality.

How does it feel to see your brand recognized at The Jewellery Village?

Seeing Thabstabita Accessories being recognized at The Jewellery Village store feels truly heartwarming and fulfilling. It’s a reminder that every small beginning has meaning and that passion, patience, and hard work do pay off. It fills me with gratitude and pride to see my brand celebrated in the same community where my creativity first began. It’s more than just recognition it’s a reflection of growth, resilience, and the belief that beautiful things can come from humble places. This moment reminds me why I started to inspire others, especially young creators in the jewellery sector, to believe that their dreams are valid and their art matters. Thabstabita Accessories stands as proof that success can grow from your roots and still shine beyond them.

What role do innovation and customer satisfaction play in your business model?

At Thabstabita Accessories, innovation and customer satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. Innovation allows us to keep our designs fresh, unique, and meaningful blending traditional artistry with modern trends to create pieces that stand out and tell a story. It keeps the brand evolving while staying true to its roots. Customer satisfaction is equally important because our clients are the soul of our brand. Every creation is made with their needs, style, and emotions in mind. We value their feedback and use it to improve, ensuring that every piece they receive carries both quality and connection. Together, innovation and customer satisfaction form the foundation of our business model one that focuses on creativity, authenticity, and lasting relationships with the people who believe in our art.

How do you stay on top of evolving industry trends?

Thabstabita Accessories stands a strong chance of evolving with industry trends by staying curious, creative, and connected. The brand is built on a spirit of continuous learning and innovation, always exploring new materials, techniques, and design inspirations while staying rooted in authenticity. We keep an eye on global jewellery movements from sustainable fashion to personalized craftsmanship and adapt them in a way that reflects our African identity and handmade artistry. By listening to customers, embracing technology, and blending traditional designs with modern styles, Thabstabita ensures it not only follows trends but also sets its own. Evolution for us means growth without losing the soul of who we are unique, bold, and original.

What does South African culture mean to your design language?

South African culture is the soul and heartbeat of Thabstabita Accessories. It shapes our design language, inspiring every color, texture, and form we create. South Africa’s diversity its people, traditions, and stories reminds us that beauty comes in many expressions. Our pieces draw from the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and symbolism found in local art and fashion. Each design celebrates unity in diversity, blending traditional African elements with modern style to create accessories that speak to identity, pride, and creativity. For Thabstabita, South African culture isn’t just inspiration it’s a storytelling language. Every piece reflects where we come from and where we’re going: a nation of strength, innovation, and artistic brilliance.

How do you envision job creation through your business?

Thabstabita Accessories envisions job creation as a core part of its mission. The brand was founded not only to celebrate art and design but also to empower others through opportunity. We believe that creativity can open doors for economic growth especially within local communities. By expanding production, training young artisans, and promoting skills development in jewellery making and design, Thabstabita aims to create sustainable jobs for women, youth, and local craftspeople. Our long-term vision is to build a creative hub where individuals can learn, work, and grow turning passion into profession. Through every piece we craft and every hand we train, we hope to inspire a culture of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and shared success.

What challenges have you faced as a startup jeweller?

For Thabstabita Accessories, one of the biggest obstacles has been getting to the right market. As a handmade jewellery brand, it can be challenging to reach customers who truly understand the value of craftsmanship, the story behind each piece, and the effort involved in artisanal design. Many markets are dominated by mass-produced jewellery, making it harder for handmade brands to stand out or compete on price. Building awareness and educating customers about what makes Thabstabita unique takes time, consistency, and resources. Building brand recognition in a competitive market has also required patience, consistency, and trust. As a handmade jewellery brand, every piece takes time and skill and helping customers understand the value behind craftsmanship has been a learning journey. Despite these challenges, each obstacle has become a lesson in resilience and innovation. Thabstabita Accessories continues to grow by adapting, learning, and staying true to its purpose: creating meaningful, proudly African pieces that inspire and empower.

What do you want customers to associate with the Thabstabita name?

The Thabstabita name should evoke feelings of quality, originality, and cultural pride a brand that celebrates African artistry while embracing modern style. We want our customers to feel connected, confident, and inspired when they wear our pieces. Most importantly, Thabstabita stands for purpose not just fashion, but a movement that uplifts handmade craftsmanship, supports local talent, and turns creativity into opportunity.

What are your future plans for the brand?

Opening a dedicated studio or store, where customers can experience the full Thabstabita collection and witness the craftsmanship behind each piece. Training and mentoring young artisans, especially women and youth, to build skills in jewellery making, design, and entrepreneurship. Collaborating with fashion designers and cultural organizations to showcase our work at exhibitions and fashion events locally and internationally. Exploring sustainable materials and eco-friendly production methods to align our brand with conscious, responsible fashion, as Thabstabita accessories is here for you.