PROOF OF EXISTENCE.
Exploring has been a drawing force in human history since the sun dawned on the earth. We measure wisdom with how far one has had to explore to attain the perspective, we are curious and sensitive to what we learn. Introducing the ‘Proof of Existence’ series – A photo series paying homage to the power that lies within us, the unexplored. It is based on the intimate and infectious parts of the people we are inspired by, those that have contributed to the culture in one shape or the other. Camagu Studio explores and celebrates Mrs. Lesego – Tshepang Mokoena.
Lesego – Tshepang Mokoena is a fashion designer and business woman, she embodies so many angles of what being a woman is, that we personally haven’t explored. As a young woman she has accomplished success in her dynamic life paths, and we are interested to know what she believes she exists for. In her words “Some people have the luxury of finding their purpose and then others, their purpose is thrust upon them. I think the point of my existence is to make a difference, not in the way that I thought, not in the way that I imagined it would be, but in how it has to be.” Lesego tells to us about how her work as a fashion designer aligns with her purpose, saying: “Personally, in my life being in the fashion business, I’m in it in an unconventional sense; Most designers would go to the factory that gives them the cheapest prices, so that you get more of a mark-up from your garment. I am in the situation where the people that I am working with are so ingrained in my life that I’m not gonna find the cheapest deal, it’s not just about making a dress. The dress that I’m wearing today wasn’t made by people I’m used to and I can feel that it wasn’t made with love and I can feel it as I’m wearing the dress.” She tells us about the relationship she has built with her team, her seamsters and seamstresses. Lesego values those she works with and aims for a collaborative experience where there is mutual respect and the lives of those who work for her business are improved.
On the day of the shoot Lesego told us that the man who used to work with her and sew for her had passed away. This was a great loss for her not only because she just lost a member of her team, but because she lost someone who she regards as family, someone she loves and cares for. Whilst getting her make-up ready she said, “We are so ingrained in what we do. I saw each contribution that the dresses made to his family. Where they were living when we started versus now. It’s not just a dress it’s not just paying the cheapest prices…” For Lesego, it’s not just about the business of making money, it is about adding value to people’s livelihoods and creating meaningful relationships with those she works with.
There is so much strength and honesty in the what Lesego says, and what was striking, apart from her beauty, is her faith and strong belief in the journey of her purpose unfolding. “You think your purpose is aligned with your goals but it’s not always. Life happens and God steps in. your purpose may not necessarily align with your goals. I had a prayer two years ago and it was to be able to surrender, I’m a planner and ‘control freak’ but I surrendered to the idea that my goals may not necessarily align with God’s purpose and being okay with that. I know now what my purpose is being brave to go ahead with that. I’m at a point of either growth or comfort, I could easily regress or I could move forward. It’s what we do when we’re hurt, we regress and want to go to where it was easy again. It’s not just about you it’s so much bigger than you.”
When we asked what the proof of her existence is, she said: “I think I’d like to leave behind evidence that I was able to authentically do things my way without following the manuscript and still being very profitable with it. I think the ultimate proof in that is not something I’ll be able to see in my lifetime, the proof will be when my greatgrandchildren won’t have to look for a job, send their CV’s anywhere or panic when they leave varsity. We will have generational wealth. Whatever decisions they make in their lives will never come from financial fear. The driving force in their lives will never come from lack of financial fear. The fear of survival. The freedom for my children to be themselves. It’s important that proof is not left for yourself but for your children as well, what their mother did.”
Project directed and photographed : Camagu studio (35mm)
Make-up : Khumo Ngwenya
