Brand promotes Basotho heritage

By Neo Kolane

Ichiban Crafted, a Seshoeshoe craft that inspires to innovate Sesotho heritage products is aiming to continue soaring and reach for greater heights. 

Founded by ‘Makelello Mngadi in 2016, Ichiban is geared towards maintaining the Sesotho heritage through production of fashion wears that depicts the culture of the Basotho people.

Ichiban is a Japanese word meaning number one or the best of all.

Through the use of the Seshoeshoe fabric, Ichiban aims to capture international recognition in production of a variety of items such as crafts, bags and jewellery in the form of earrings, necklaces and headbands.

Ichiban also crafts clothing materials like sweaters, hats, ties and scarves. It also decorates mirrors, dolls and tins.

Speaking with theReporter, Mngadi stated that the business does not only focus only on Sesotho culture but they also incorporate other internationally acclaimed creations to enhance the quality of their products.

“I have been operating this art work for 11 years, but the name Ichiban Crafted was given to the business way back during my varsity days.

“My biggest achievement to date was being nominated to compete in the local brands competition organized by Vodacom Lesotho. Although we did not win, we gained a lot of publicity, recognition and an increase in clientele,” she remarked. 

Our plans are to distribute our crafts to more art shops both locally and internationally while we also aim at more innovations in the world of art, she alerted.

“We produce our products and services at home in Mazenod and deliver them to buyers.  We also sell our products through Cura Home of Industries at Pioneer Mall and the craft shop at Moshoeshoe I International Airport,” Mngadi said.

She believes that they have brought modern and accessible ways for Basotho to incorporate Seshoeshoe fabric in their everyday attire, adding that such innovation has brought into limelight the need to embrace the culture of the Basotho people.

Her spouse, she added, has also played a big role in creative ideas that have seen new added products in their stable.

She said that so as to add more brains to their stable they have enrolled the services of Lomile Nathane who has proved to be a formidable performer who has fitted well in their business environment.