Startup Story

Gracia Bampile is the founder of fashion brand, Haute Afrika based in South Africa. The company has built a reputation for creating clothes for every occasion and every kind of person, inspired by traditional fabrics that are authentically African.

LoA learned more about this fashion business with a big ambition from its founder, Gracia Bampile.

What does your company do?

The company specializes in contemporary African fashion - we are basically taking African fashion into the world. We make clothes that are African inspired.

What inspired you to start your company?

I’ve always loved fashion; I remember literally being a child wearing my mom’s heels and doing fashion shows for myself. Subconsciously, I have always wanted to be in the fashion industry, I just did not know what I wanted to do. With the rise of African print, I found myself at home because I come from a background where African print is our normal everyday wear. So, what inspired me was just the need to reinforce African values in African fashion and African authenticity, basically show the world that Africa has arrived and Africa Is more than just music or movies or whatever is booming now in Africa, there’s also fashion. To make people more comfortable wearing their traditional materials and not to only wear these at traditional events but to make it an everyday item to wear.

“The company specializes in contemporary African fashion - we are basically taking African fashion into the world. We make clothes that are African inspired.”

Why should anyone use your service or product?

I make clothes for the everyday person, I make clothes for a person who is going to a wedding, to a red carpet, to an event or to church. It is quality, its detail-oriented, it's authentic, our outfits and products are beautiful and they suit any kind of person. Any kind of women or man feels comfortable in our clothes

Tell us a little about your team

I have a very hardworking and wonderful team.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

The first year when we launched it did not do well. People loved the brand but financially it was not doing as well as I thought it would. I had a long-term vision for the brand but my short term and my current circumstances were not necessarily reflecting those aspirations. I am so happy I come from an entrepreneurial background I learnt from an early age that business does not pick up overnight.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

AFRICA to the WORLD, literally.

“What inspired me was the need to reinforce African values in African fashion and African authenticity, basically show the world that Africa has arrived and Africa Is more than just music or movies or whatever is booming now in Africa, there’s also fashion.”

“When I meet people who somehow recognize the brand, they express how they feel, by being inspired by my story and how much the brand is growing.”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

I get the most satisfaction when I see happy customers. Some customers cry they are so happy to get their outfits and it always shocks me that they like the garments so much. I have customers who order in the United States, and they will call to find out how far the order is? I am shocked that the people cannot wait to have that dress or shirt. Even our local customers in Johannesburg who come to our shop are always impressed with our quality, they can’t wait to get their hands on their garments. Those kinds of reactions always inspire me. It is a good feeling when people love your products. Also, what inspires me is when I meet people who somehow recognize the brand, they express how they feel, by being inspired by my story and how much the brand is growing. That to me is always interesting. My satisfaction is knowing that I have a product and I’m selling clothes to people who love them and appreciate them. To also see people being happy and helping them with their self-esteem, that really makes me happy and to be able to know you can start something and see it grow into fruition and see your dreams manifest themselves.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

To a woman starting up, remember everything big starts small.

Contact or follow Haute Afrika

Why LoA loves it…

Anyone in the fashion business will tell you that it takes passion, self-belief and drive to create a successful brand, and Gracia Bampile has all those things and more. She has built a proudly African brand that is winning customers both at home and abroad, all in search of that authentically African clothing design experience. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa