Feza, the determined entrepreneur
Most physically challenged persons belittle themselves and resort to begging in the streets while others wait for their spouses and relations to fend for them.
But this is not the case with Blantyre-based Gezire Feza. The entrepreneur, who uses a crutch to support one leg, says she did not let her physical disability hamper her from earning a living but it rather helped her built confidence to work and not depend on others.
Feza, who claims to have started tailoring at a tender age, says she did not attend any formal training in tailoring but taught herself the skills.
“I did not let my condition hamper my dreams of standing on my own and fending for myself. Rather I did ask God to help me realise my talent and make use of it by earning a living out of the works of my own hands,” she says.
Forty-six-year-old Feza says she owes the unveiling of her talent to her primary school teacher who taught her Needle Work and her father who had a sewing machine but never used it.
“My teacher played a role in my life. She used to encourage me to play with needles and pieces of cloth to create something. My father always admired the clothes that I sewed even if they were not good enough. This motivated me to do more,” she says.
Today, Feza has a tailoring shop in Chiwembe Township where she sews different kinds of clothes ranging from wedding, bridal and engagement outfits and attires for different occasions.
On a good day, Feza receives not less than six customers but the number increases depending on the season.
“During wedding seasons, we receive more customers. It is in such times that I spend just two hours in bed and the remaining hours on my work,” she says.
Feza says her business has made her realise that disability is indeed not inability.
“I am a proud mother of three children whom I have raised through this business despite my condition.
“Walking in the streets, I hear people whispering to each other, admiring my clothes. This gives me great confidence knowing that people recognise my talent,” she adds.
Feza, however, says failure by some customers to pay on time for placed orders affects her business.
“Some of my customers do not pay on time while others do not redeem the made products on time. I am keeping materials that were given to me some four years ago. This is drawback in my business,” she says.
Looking forward, Feza dreams of opening a bigger shop in the commercial city of Blantyre and employing more tailors.
“I am currently in search for a bigger shop in town. I have five machines and have already identified tailors I want to employ to meet the growing demand from my customers,” she says.
