At just 16 years old, Enhle Gebashe is already making waves in the fashion world, proving that you’re never too young to follow your dreams. This young South African designer’s journey began at the age of 10 when she launched her own fashion brand for kids and teens in 2018. From there, her bold vision quickly took flight, with her first major showcase at the Durban Fashion Fair Township Extravaganza in Umlazi marking the start of her trailblazing career.

Her most recent milestone is showcasing her designs at the Afrikan Kids International Fashion Week (AIKFASHIONWEEK), a newly established platform created to accommodate young designers like Enhle and to address the lack of opportunities for kids and teens to shine in Africa’s fashion industry. This opportunity underscores the growing recognition of her talent and the importance of spaces for emerging creatives in Africa.

 

Enhle’s rise to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. By 2019, she had already collaborated with some of the fashion industry’s biggest names, including STYLIN DREDZ and acclaimed visual artist Karabo Poppy. That same year, she was honoured with the ‘My Little Darling’ award by Darling Hair South Africa. In 2020, her entrepreneurial spirit shone through when she was crowned Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Charlotte Manya Maxele Institute.

 

While her achievements in fashion are impressive, Enhle has never lost sight of her education. In 2021, she was named Best Learner of the Year by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education. Her commitment to both her schoolwork and her growing brand continues to inspire, and in 2023, she was nominated for Children’s Wear Brand of the Year at the Fashion Industry Awards South Africa.

 

 

In this exclusive interview, Enhle shares her creative journey, the inspirations behind her designs, and how she manages to balance school with running a fashion business. Her story is one of passion, determination, and the power of following your dreams — a true inspiration to young dreamers everywhere.

 

Enhle, it’s amazing to see how far you’ve come in the fashion industry at such a young age. Can you tell us how your journey into fashion began, and what inspired you to design your own outfits?

My designs are inspired by the vibrance of African prints and the rich cultural diversity of South Africa. I’ve always been fascinated by how fabric can tell a story, and growing up, I was surrounded by so many beautiful patterns and traditions. This sparked my interest in creating pieces that reflect both my heritage and the modern world.

 

You’ve achieved so much already, from showcasing at major events like New York Fashion Week to partnering with Edgars. What have been some of the most memorable milestones in your career so far?

One of the biggest moments for me was receiving the Best Learner Award from the KZN Department of Education. It was a huge recognition of my hard work and passion. But nothing compares to my first international showcase at New York Fashion Week — that was a dream come true! It made me realise that anything is possible with determination.

 

Your mother and manager, Desiree Gebashe, plays an important role in your career. How has her guidance shaped your creative process and your journey as a young entrepreneur?

My mom has been incredible in shaping who I am today. She’s taught me so much, not just about fashion, but about life and business. Her guidance has nurtured me into the person I am, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts and stay true to my vision. I think the most important thing she’s taught me is that I should always embrace my uniqueness.

 

As a young designer, how do you balance school and running your own fashion business? What advice would you give to other young people who want to pursue their passions while managing their responsibilities?

Balancing school and work can be tricky, but I make it work by prioritising. During weekdays, I focus on school, and when weekends or holidays come around, I dive into growing my brand. I also make sure to carve out time for myself to recharge. My advice to other young people is to stay organised, keep their goals in mind, and remember that it’s all about finding that balance. Stay disciplined, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

 

 

You’ve been showcasing your designs at incredible events like the Durban Fashion Fair and Soweto Fashion Week. How do you feel when you see your creations on the runway?

It’s a mixture of excitement and nerves. The hard work that goes into every single garment makes it all worth it when I see it come to life on the runway. The support from the crowd, the applause — that feeling is priceless. It’s like everything I’ve worked for is finally paying off.

 

You’ve built a unique brand with a focus on African prints. How do you find inspiration for your designs, and what role does culture and heritage play in your collections?

A lot of my inspiration comes from international fashion trends, but I always tie it back to my roots. Culture is at the heart of everything I create. I believe it’s so important to celebrate our heritage, and I do that by incorporating African prints and traditional elements into modern designs. My collections reflect the beauty of our culture and its ability to evolve with the times.

With so many accomplishments already under your belt, what do you consider to be your biggest achievement so far in your fashion career?

One of my proudest moments has been mentoring young models at African International Kids Fashion Week. Being able to give back to the community and help other young designers and models was such a fulfilling experience. I’ve also had the chance to collaborate with both established and up-and-coming designers, which has taught me so much.

 

What’s it like working with major retailers like Edgars? Can you share a bit about how your partnership with them came about and what it means for your brand?

The opportunity with Edgars came after winning the Emerging Designer Award at Durban Fashion Fair, and it was a huge milestone for me. It was an exciting step, though the experience didn’t quite meet my expectations in terms of growth in sales. However, I’m grateful for the opportunity because it opened doors and allowed me to gain more exposure in the fashion industry.

 

 

You’re clearly a role model to many young aspiring designers. What advice would you give to other young girls or boys who dream of having a career in fashion or entrepreneurship?

I’d tell them to stay focused on their goals and not let anything distract them. You’re never too young to pursue your dreams — just believe in yourself and work hard. It’s also important to stay humble and never forget where you come from. The road to success isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate and persistent, you can achieve anything.

 

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both as a designer and as a young business owner? What can we expect next from Enhle Babes Couture?

Looking ahead, I’m aiming to expand internationally, especially focusing on markets that truly appreciate the value of African-inspired fashion. I also want to give back more, supporting underprivileged communities and helping young people who are passionate about fashion. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share my next steps with everyone!