How One Bead Maker from Soweto Landed Her First US Buyer on VantagePort

When Thandi Nkosi started making beaded jewelry in her small home in Soweto, she never imagined her creations would one day be sold in boutiques across the United States. Yet, that's exactly what happened after she joined VantagePort.

"I was selling at local markets and making just enough to get by," Thandi recalls. "I heard about VantagePort from another vendor and decided to give it a try. What did I have to lose?"

The First Connection

Within two weeks of listing her colorful beaded necklaces and bracelets on VantagePort, Thandi received an inquiry from Sarah, a boutique owner from Portland, Oregon.

"Sarah was looking specifically for authentic African beadwork. She had been searching for months but couldn't find a reliable supplier. The verification badge on my profile gave her confidence to reach out," Thandi explains.

After exchanging emails and samples, Sarah placed an initial order for 50 pieces – more than Thandi typically sold in a month locally.

Scaling Up

The first order's success led to regular monthly orders, forcing Thandi to think differently about her business.

"I had to learn about international shipping, customs forms, and how to scale production while maintaining quality," she says. "I hired two women from my community to help with production, and now we're a team of five."

Keys to Success

Thandi attributes her success to several factors:

• Quality photos: "I borrowed my nephew's good camera and took clear photos showing the detail of my work."
• Prompt communication: "I made sure to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours, even if just to say I'd get back with more information."
• Transparency: "I was honest about my production capacity and timeframes."
• Samples: "Sending samples before the big order built trust."

The Ripple Effect

Today, Thandi's beadwork is sold in seven boutiques across the US, and she's exploring opportunities in Europe.

"What started with a R200 investment in VantagePort has completely transformed my business and my life," Thandi says. "But the best part is creating jobs in my community and showing other women that their craft has value beyond our borders."

Thandi's advice to other small producers? "Take that first step. The world is waiting to discover what you make."