Life changing decisions

Ever since Brown Stone Creation started, way back when it was MaNdebele Designs, I have worked from home. I figured it is a convenient location.

1. I could roll out of my bed and get straight into it. Or I could sleep in and make up for the time lost later in the day.

2. I don't pay rent for the space I use so all the money made is mine.

3. I can wear whatever I want to wear to work, then occasionally clean up/dress up for a client appointment.

4. I don't worry about running out of food at work.

While all these points are good and awesome reasons to continue invading my mama's kitchen/dining room, the time has come for me to do the right thing.

1. Rolling out of bed for work means I work in a dreamy state for half the time. And I have to do house chores during work hours.

2. Not paying rent means I'm sometimes careless with BSC money thinking its my own.

3. Not having to dress up means I can lose my image without even noticing (what kind of does that?).

4. Food just expands the body. Take it from me, that not a good thing.

So...I am currently looking for a new home for Brown Stone Creations where she can call the shots and be grown up. Just like you cant stop an infant from becoming a toddler, there is no stopping BSC from growing.
Please do visit once the new home has been found.

XOXO

Always a first time

In life everyone has to experience a first. First word, first step, first kiss, first time wearing a bra (lol), first pay cheque, first car, first home, first love, first Brown Stone Creations item... had to add that!

The first I am experiencing currently is the first preparation period for my first ever photo shoot! Excited as I am I think the model and the photographer are WAY more serious about things. It is an exciting time for Brown Stone C and I am happy to have reached such a point.

To those who will be visiting me to try and catch a glimpse of what the wardrobe looks like; you're going to have to search the whole house. Best kept secret...

Here's to the first time...

XOXO

Ungrateful clients

Have you ever had that one client that assumes that because they are your regular client they get preferential treatment? Or the one client that was your friend then became a client; the one that expects "friendly" rates and forgets that you are running a business?

Well recently I've had to deal with both. They left me drained and second guessing myself. Those 2 chapter have been officially closed and Brown Stone Creations has taken a new stand. You book your time, pay for the services at standard rates, and we all remain happy.

It hasn't been all gloomy though. There are regular clients as well as what I classify as friend clients that not only abide by the rules but make it all worthwhile. To those ladies that appreciate BSC and have a good working relationship with me, let's soldier on looking as pretty, sophisticated, and absolutely gorgeous as ever.

BSC
XOXO

Frustration

When matric dance/ball/banquet season comes I always end up frustrated. Its sometimes because people do not understand their body types and refuse to listen to reason. Sometimes because the client can't put what they want into words or pictures. Sometimes because the client doesn't understand that all these Hollywood artists have silicon for boobs and therefore that dress without support will sit differently on them.

Before you decide on that Janet dress, or Kim dress, or Beyonce dress, or whoever's dress please consider the jobs done on them to look the way they do. I speak for most designers/ seam stresses when I say: I may work miracles on fabrics but not your bodies.

XOXO

Ladies clothing vs Men's wear

So a new challenge has been thrown my way. To be or not to be? This time the question has nothing go do with English literature but everything to do with clothing. Brown Stone Creations has primarily been a ladies wear brand. The designs have come to me in a feminine approach.

Research has shown that there is a serious gap in the masculine side of boutiques in Cape Town. So the question is: To be the one filling the gap or not to be and rather stick to the tried and tested?

Only time will tell...

Summer is around the corner

Its a beautiful sunny day in Cape Town and although the temperatures don't really allow us to run around in short shorts just yet, that time is definitely around the corner. Word is pastel colours are taking over from the neons. Who knows really? All I'm saying is we all have identities/personalities and we all need to let them be seen in the way we dress. Be it in bold colours or muted tones of sophistication, JUST BE YOURSELF.

I'm being myself today in this Brown Stone Creations original skirt and vest. Yes the colours are loud and in your face and that is exactly how I feel today. If I wake up tomorrow and I decide to wear the muted grey check dress, that is also perfect. As long as I'm being true to THIS (me) girl!

XOXO
Let the beauty continue

Brand Ambassador

If I would have to choose 1 brand ambassador, I'd be in huge trouble. Over the years I've experienced so many beautiful people who love BSC just about as much as I do.

If it would be based on the number of Brown Stone Creations outfits hanging in their closets then it would be a tie between my older sister, Sisa Ndebele, an old time friend, Unathi Tandwa and a client turned big sister, Sindi Giwu. These ladies have more BSC dresses than I do.

If I were to choose the ambassador based on passion and love for BSC then it would be another tie between Elona Hlatshwayo and Bongani Tladi. These ladies sell BSC like no one's business. Opening doors to people and places I never thought I'd encounter.

I think its about time I invested more in men's wear so I can have more ties. All in all, thanks ladies for making Brown Stone Creations your brand of choice. The beauty continues... XOXO