• PINEHAS NAKAZIKOA YOUNG sophisticated fashionista from Eenhana, Hilja Soiny Haifene, has realised her dreams through the sale of quirky vintage apparel and online orders.
This has made her one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the country, seeing her establishing a clothing shop, Funky Fair Shop, which operates from Khomasdal 28 in Windhoek.
Funky Fair Shop has become one of the best and most loved vintage shops, which grew tremendously within just two years of its establishment.
“From a very young age, I always wanted to be a businessperson, as this started from home. I grew up selling fudge, ice and vetkoeks at a very young age, and today I can say, I have started living my dreams,” says Haifene.
Haifene (26) was inspired to open Funky Fair Shop in 2019 by her mother, who she described as a fighter, business-oriented, and a very hardworking person in her life.
She says Funky Fair Shop has boomed over the past two years through perseverance and prayers.
The shop recently signed up a young model, Kaleni Nangolo, as its first brand ambassador.
“I chose her because I believe in her brand, and trust that her skills and contribution will help grow my business,” says Haifene.
According to Haifene, every successful business requires one simple thing – passion.
“I am very content about my brand. If there is somebody that inspires me it would be Todia Thrift, since we are in the same industry. Otherwise, I focus on myself and my brand,” says Haifene.
She says the biggest challenge they encounter is finance.
“Apart from having to borrow money from my big cousins and paying them back, there are certain times I have really made huge losses but I still had to return the money that I borrowed.”
She adds that as young business owners, they are targeted by thieves, robbers and scammers.
“Bringing in bales in to the country is also becoming a huge problem and challenge to us because they get confiscated and you lose your money.”
By early next year, the shop will be opening branches countrywide.
