Haipinge’s 'Blue Junkies' dream

Made of blue but not out of the blue
Collins Haipinge describes himself as an 'artepreneur', blending his passions for both business and art in his work.
Gottrieb Nambahu
  • 1 Day Ago
Collins Haipinge, aka 'C-Hype', is a young entrepreneur and musical artist dedicated to turning an uncommon and delicious product into a household name.

He is the founder of Blue Junkies, a brand that has created a unique fat cake (also known as vetkoek), which has taken the youth of Windhoek by storm.

Popularly known as ‘junkies’ by young customers, the fat cakes are icing-coated and sold for just N$3.00 each. They are sold at schools and delivered on demand.

Haipinge prefers to be recognised as an “artepreneur”, blending business and art as his passions.

“I want to see visible entrepreneurial progress in the creative industry of our country. A space where it actively pays to be a creator”, he expressed.



A brand is born

During the global pandemic in 2020, at just 20 years old, he established Blue Junkies.

He said the brand was born from an artist who felt they had no choice but to prove to a generally dismissive public that it is possible to make a living as a creative in Namibia.

“Although wise, I don't want people to think that artists always need to have a plan B in terms of making a living,” Haipinge said.

Like any other entrepreneur, he has faced his share of challenges on the road to success.

He recalled moments when he considered giving up, describing it as a bizarre adventure trying to sell a product most people had never heard of.

“But I wouldn't have been able to have achieved what we did if I had given up. That's what makes the journey so satisfying, honestly”, Haipinge said.

The young 'artepreneur' is proud of having created opportunities for people to be able to provide for themselves.

Additionally, he admires how the business provides chances to make life better for customers.

"We are slowly becoming a staple in the community, and that's what I'm most proud of," he said.

“My advice to anyone that wants to bring a dream or vision to life is to simply just start. Wherever you find yourself in life, start. And move with audacity."