Chronicle Editor
Sipepisiwe Moyo
WELSHMAN Sibanda, also known as ‘Welsh the stylist’, is a rising star in the fashion industry. He is the man behind the looks of some of the influencers who will grace the NAMA awards event on 24 February in Bulawayo.
He has a dream of becoming a celebrity stylist, but he does not turn away anyone who wants to be styled by him.
“I’m styling and dressing some influencers, but a confirmed order is from Smally (Teseletso Matjaka), from Skyz Metro FM. The influencers I normally dress are Noluntu J., Thandy Dhlana, La Dee, John Mabuyane of Mabuyane productions, DJ Liz. I’m hoping to dress more as the brand expands. My target is to be a celebrity designer, but not neglecting anyone who wants a piece from Welsh the Stylist brand,” he said.
Welsh is also a musician, and he plans to use his music videos as a platform to showcase his new fashion trends.
“For now I’m concentrating on the new baby which is fashion designing. I have to nurture the new baby. Thereafter I will incorporate the new fashion trends in my music video which will push them to a greater audience,” said Sibanda.
Welsh has a wealth of experience in styling and grooming people. He used to run a group called Vintage Movement, where he styled and did photoshoots for many people who are now doing well in the industry. Some of them are actress Natasha Dlamini, actor Calvin Madula, former Miss Bulawayo Natasha, and Mike’s Vintage from Gwanda.
“I have groomed a lot of people. The list is long, I can’t mention everyone from here. Mind you, I used to work with the same people on my music videos,” he said.
Welsh considers his greatest achievement to be his ability to multi-task and his shop in the Bulawayo CBD (Luxor house Fife Street and 9Avenue, shop 29, second floor). He also thanked the media for the exposure they have given him since 2014.
“My greatest achievement is being able to multi-task (pattern grading, cutting, sewing) and having a shop which is in the CBD and central to everyone. I thank Chronicle newspaper, and other newspapers, radios, TV which have been pushing my brand since 2014 up to date, hence staying relevant in the dynamic showbiz business.”
Welsh said he has no regrets about his career choice, except for starting late. He blamed this on the lack of parental support for his talent.
“I regret procrastinating. I should have started back at my elementary stage. This comes back to our parents. Parents should nurture their kids’ gifts. Look how whites do it. If you are good at cricket, that is your career. With our African parents, few will support you. I thank my mother, brother and all my family members for motivating and supporting me. Given a chance, I will choose what I am doing again. I love showbiz, I was born for this.”
Online Reporter