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News - Date: 25 April 2003
HA-MASHAMBA - While many people have sleepless nights about lack of employment opportunities, Maria Mulaudzi finds it easy to survive, thanks to her God-given talent of bead making and sewing.
It, however, took long years of hardship and struggle for this 48-year-old mother of five children to survive, until last year, when an emerging fashion designer, Mercy Mugivhi, made her realise that she can make a living through her bead-making talent.
"Mugivhi wanted to complement her traditional design with beadwork during the Thulamela Municipality Show, which was meant for Eclipse 2002. "She then invited me to come and join her where we formed a project, called Mulondoli Artistic Creations.
"She came with traditional designed attires, while I submitted my beadwork for display during the show. In my work, I included handbags, made from used plastic, necklaces, key-holders and bracelets made from beads. Some of the beads were made in ANC colours and people loved them, especially tourists.
"After the show, I realised that I have made good money, which I was able to use for family needs including my children's school fees. "From there, as they say, the rest is history," said Maria with a bright smile. Maria and Mercy have also submitted their work at the Rand Easter Show in Gauteng.
Maria said advises other people by encouraging them to use their God-given talents to make a living as the new dispensation affords people to do things for themselves.
Maria and Mercy can be called at 083 336 6803
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