MEET LUFUNO
"I’m a stylist, a mom, and a Joburg girl – all about good vibes and millennial energy."
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF TSHEPO JEANS?
Iconic. Global. Brave. Pioneer. I’ve known Tshepo for years, and he’s never been afraid to go after what he loves. Seeing the brand grow from where it started to where it is now fills me with pride.
In one sentence - who are you?
I’m a 39-year-old stylist, mom, creative, art lover, Joburg girl - all about good vibes and millennial energy.
HOW DID YOUR UPBRINGING SHAPE YOU?
Growing up in Soweto with four sisters and a single mom taught me resilience, kindness, and style. My mom was the thrift goddess. She made sure we never felt our lack. Even now, I love mixing the past with the present; I’m wearing her earrings as we speak.
HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD CHANGED YOUR STYLE?
It made me practical and creative. During breastfeeding, I dressed for function. Now I get to have fun - my son and I coordinate outfits, and he loves it.
WHEN DID FASHION ENTER YOUR LIFE?
Always. In science class, I was sketching dresses. I learned sewing from my mom’s friend and became obsessed. My mom once teased me about my shopping habits: “Maybe make money from your love for clothes.” Fourteen years later, here I am.
STYLING IS SO PERSONAL. HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH CLIENTS?
With authenticity and respect. People aren’t mannequins – they have emotions. Recently, I helped a girl at an outreach find her perfect matric dress after she was ready to give up. She cried tears of joy. That’s the magic of styling.
WHAT DOES 'BEING SEEN' MEAN TO YOU?
It’s everything. As the darkest of my mom’s daughters, I was often overlooked. My granddad called me his “beautiful black flower,” and my uncle saw me as his little Tracy Chapman. My natural locks are now part of my identity. I’ve lost jobs because of them, but I won’t conform.
What is one sentimental object you treasure?
A photo of my mom in her twenties. She’s my style icon and my daily reminder of where I come from.
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Nomzamo Mbatha, Zozi Tunzi - all brave, stylish, and unapologetically themselves. South African women carry this country.
IF YOU COULD SEND A VOICE NOTE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
You’re beautiful. You’re smart. You matter. You’re multi-talented - don’t let anyone take that away from you. Be brave. Think outside the box. Step away from what others expect if it makes you happy. You will have everything you’ve dreamed of - and more. You’ll go beyond what your environment ever allowed you to imagine, and you’ll do it with grace, kindness, beauty, and impact.
