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Zozo’s Leather: Your dream product

Rivaldo Kavanga



Celesty Cupido worked in the tourism industry and realised over the years that many Namibian accommodation establishments do not showcase or sell any Namibian-made products,

It is against this background that she started her business, Zozo’s Leather, with the aim of selling, promoting and showcasing locally made products to tourists and locals alike.

Zozo’s Leather produces quality leather handbags, wallets and other items. They can make any leather product to suit your requirements.

“I am all for supporting small local businesses and I believe this was my motivation for starting my business,” Cupido says.

She started her business in September this year after attending a week-long workshop on leatherwork.

Cupido says sourcing supplies is a major challenge she faces. “We have a limited number of suppliers for the tools and raw materials we need, thus making it quite a big investment to make. If you do not have a target market, you would end up lowering prices and standards, which at the end of the day would be a definite loss for your business,” she says.

Cupido prides herself in the excellent services and products she offers and adds that the highlight of her business is seeing clients happy and satisfied with her products and customer service.

“Nothing beats that. We invest so much time, energy and creativity into a single bag and at the end seeing an uncontrollable smile of awe and sometimes disbelief is simply amazing and one of the biggest highlights so far,” she adds.

With tourism facing a crisis in the wake of Covid-19, Cupido says she would love to see big companies with a position in the global market supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses.

She adds that there are many gifted local artists who do not have the platforms or marketing tools to showcase their work, or simply shy away because of international companies overshadowing the marketplace.

She urges upcoming entrepreneurs to not give up on their dreams. She adds that it may be difficult to own and run a business amid the Covid-19 pandemic but that it is always the darkest before the dawn.

“It might seem like there's no hope in that moment, but don't lose faith. Faith as big as a mustard seed is enough. Just push through; it’s a lot of work but in the end, you will reap the benefits of all your hard work,” she concludes.