Winning the R99,999 prize through Engen The Making Of was nothing short of a game changer for me and my business. Moko Originals is an innovative fashion brand that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design, specializing in gender-neutral clothing, handcrafted leather accessories and custom pieces. I started the business to promote inclusivity, empower local artisans and offer culturally authentic yet contemporary fashion that represents all identities and meets the demand for high-quality, inclusive style in South Africa. That money didn’t just sit in an account, it went straight into motion. One of the most significant moves I made was buying a company van. That single investment transformed the way we operate. Suddenly, we could handle deliveries with ease, transport materials more efficiently and show up fully prepared for pop-up activations and client meetings – wherever they were.
The impact was immediate. With better logistics, we reached more customers, attended more markets and grew our brand’s visibility far beyond our local community. Our monthly revenue started climbing, in some months, even doubling what we used to make before Engen TMO. It was a true turning point.
Since the Engen TMO experience, the growth journey has been both exciting and full of lessons. We expanded our product line to include unique, gender-neutral fashion pieces and accessories. I’m especially proud of our upcycled items — sandals made from conveyor belts and leather earrings crafted from production offcuts. Every piece tells a story and stands for sustainability.
We also grew our team. We’ve been able to bring in more young people from the township, giving them real jobs and skills training in manufacturing and retail. Watching them grow in confidence and ability has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Retail-wise, we’ve gained great traction through regular pop-ups and were recently chosen to host a fashion exhibition at Sammy Marks Square, a proud moment for the whole team. Our work has also been featured in various national campaigns, and the recognition has helped us build even more momentum.
Looking back, Engen TMO felt like a masterclass in pressure and purpose. I had to learn how to perform and stay creative under serious pressure. It taught me that creativity can thrive in chaos, especially when you’re surrounded by other passionate entrepreneurs who are just as committed as you are.
The experience affirmed my belief in my craft. It was like the universe gave me a little nudge and said, “You’re on the right path.”
If I could offer one piece of advice to this year’s TMO contestants, it would be this “Teamwork makes the dream work” — but don’t let your individuality fade in the group. Stay authentic. Let your personality shine through your work and don’t be afraid to tell your story.
And lastly, trust the process. Engen TMO is not just about growing a business, it’s about growing as a person – be open to learning, to collaboration and to feedback. It might just change everything, like it did for me.
