Interview With MM Couture Founder – Maureen Mtimkulu

We at Sista Mag definitely love celebrating young women who are inspiring and succeeding in business. So, we recently had a chat with the beautiful, passionate and inspirational Maureen Mtimkulu who has embarked on a new journey as a business women and owns a proudly South African clothing label ‘MM Couture’.

1. Who is Maureen Mtimkulu ?

Maureen Mtimkulu is a young ambitious youth of South Africa. She is a mother of 2 boys and a wife to Tshepo Mtimkulu. Maureen is a woman who is not scared to take risks or do new things in her life. She is not a quitter and most definitely works hard for the things she aspires to have in life. Owner at MM Couture.

2. Tell us more about MM Couture…

MM Couture is a South African clothing label that was birthed in April 2019. Clothes are designed and made from scratch with fabrics being bought around different fabric shops all over the country. We produce ready-to-wear clothes but also have private clients that we cater for, for those particular, unique needs.

3. Have you always been entrepreneurial?

Yes I have always been entrepreneurial. From a very young age I have always believed that business is life because you get to work on your own concepts and get to make your own rules.

4. What led you to taking that first step and setting up your own business?

I have always wanted to own a clothing line but obviously needed start-up capital, which I got so that did not stop me from pursuing my dreams in building my own brand. I was led by taking the first step because of the love and passion I have in fashion. I love putting clothing items together, I love dressing people and making them feel good about themselves. You know the saying “If you look good, you feel good”.

5. How did you get where you are today, and who/what helped you along the way?

I am this far today because of an investor that believed in my dream and my passion. Also our clients, I mean if there is money coming into the business we can keep the clothing line going.

6. How do you achieve work-life balance?

I achieve work-life balance by prioritizing my daily activities and planning ahead as I have a family to also take care of.

Image: Maureen Mtimkhulu wearing MM Couture.

7. Do you think women are intimidated in business?

I do not think women are intimidated in business. My reason for saying that is because a lot of women are now in business and most are even encouraged and empowered to be in business.

8. What are some of the challenges you face running your business?

Challenges of running a business, especially the fashion business is having to work with the little we have which is kept being reinvested in the business itself. Funding for me has been limiting so I sometimes feel that I could have a little bit more to do more.

9. What else do you do to earn extra income?

To earn extra cash on the side I am a Wellness Coach. Which I something that I love very much also because I have started falling in love with myself, my body and its needs.

10. Who do you look up to for inspiration?

The list of the individuals that inspire me is endless. To mention a few, Connie Ferguson, Bonang Matheba, Basetsana Khumalo, Unathi Msengana, Sbahle Mpisane, and Precious Motsepe.

11. Where do you see MM Couture in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5-10 years I want MM Couture to be known countrywide. Possible stores around the country or at least the brand to be sold at selected stores.

12. What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I keep active as much as I can, it is also a time I get to energize myself and regain strength to carry me to the next day.

13. How often do you shop for clothes? Do you like to pick up an item here and there or get lots of goodies at once?

Nowadays I hardly shop, I prefer that from now on I wear my own brand. Before MM Couture I would get items from different shops at different times and put them together.

14. What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is to go to France.

15. What is your advice to young women who want to start their own businesses ?

My advice to young women who want to start a businesses is that they should follow their passion and go out there and make things happen for themselves, there is nothing fulfilling than doing something that comes as second nature to you. Research is important, understanding your target market is also key.