10 Key Business Lessons from Thatiso Dube, GALXBOY Founder
Thatiso Dube, the mastermind behind GALXBOY, has built one of South Africa’s most successful streetwear brands. His journey—from humble beginnings in Soshanguve to leading a company with over 170 employees—is filled with invaluable business lessons. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a business owner looking for inspiration, here are 10 key lessons from Dube’s success story.
1. Your Background Doesn’t Define Your Future
Dube was born and raised in Soshanguve, a township where opportunities in high-end fashion were limited. Despite this, he refused to let his circumstances dictate his future. Instead, he used his experiences to fuel his ambition.
Lesson: Your environment may shape you, but it doesn’t have to limit you. If you have a vision, pursue it relentlessly.
2. Build the Right Relationships
In his teens, Dube moved to Centurion, where he met ANATII, a well-known musician and producer. Spending time at ANATII’s house introduced him to the internet, design software, and high-end fashion, which would later influence his brand.
Lesson: The people you surround yourself with can open doors to new opportunities. Network wisely and learn from those ahead of you.
3. Stay in Control of Your Vision
Dube’s first retail venture was a partnership with two tenderpreneurs, but it failed when they tried to influence the creative direction of GALXBOY. Instead of compromising his vision, he walked away and rebuilt the brand on his own terms.
Lesson: If you have a clear vision, don’t let outside influences derail it. Be open to advice, but always protect your creative integrity.
4. Take Risks and Adapt When Needed
After stepping away from the business for a while, Dube returned during the COVID-19 pandemic with R90,000 worth of stock, selling online and from Co-Space. This move helped him re-establish GALXBOY as a leading brand.
Lesson: Business is about timing and taking calculated risks. Adapt to challenges and leverage new opportunities as they arise.
5. Seize Every Opportunity
After his online success, Menlyn Mall head-hunted Dube to open a physical store. He took the opportunity, and it became one of GALXBOY’s biggest successes.
Lesson: When an opportunity presents itself, take it and make the most of it. Bold decisions can accelerate growth.
6. Invest in Learning Before Earning
Before launching GALXBOY fully, Dube interned at Amakipkip under Nkosana Modise , learning branding, production, and business strategy. Instead of demanding a salary, he chose mentorship over money.
Lesson: Skills and knowledge are more valuable than quick money. Take the time to learn before chasing profits.
7. Find Mentors Who Can Guide You
Nkosana Modise not only mentored Dube but also took him to China to meet manufacturers and suppliers. This trip gave him insight into product sourcing and quality control.
Lesson: A good mentor can shortcut your learning curve and introduce you to valuable networks. Seek guidance from those who have done it before.
8. Bet on Yourself
Dube refused a salary at Amakipkip and focused on learning. He later invested his own money into GALXBOY, building it into a brand with 170 employees.
Lesson: If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Be willing to take short-term sacrifices for long-term success.
9. Focus on Quality, Not Just Marketing
While many brands rely on aggressive marketing, GALXBOY focuses on high-quality product development. This ensures that customers keep coming back, leading to organic brand growth.
Lesson: A great product markets itself. Instead of spending too much on advertising, invest in top-tier product design and customer experience.
10. Scale Smartly
GALXBOY’s rapid growth forced them to request bigger warehouses from their landlord. This shows how important it is to plan for expansion while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Lesson: When your business grows, make sure your infrastructure and team can handle it. Scaling too fast without preparation can lead to failure.
Thatiso Dube’s journey is proof that success is a mix of passion, resilience, and smart decision-making. From interning for free to running a multi-million-rand business, his story teaches us that entrepreneurship is about patience, learning, and strategic risk-taking.
Whether you’re starting a fashion label or launching a different business, these lessons from GALXBOY’s rise can guide you in building a brand that lasts.
