By Ndumiso Tshuma
Leslie Ncube, a local entrepreneur and the creative mind behind the online accessories and couture clothing brand “LA’KHANYI,” is on a mission to celebrate diverse heritages through art and fashion.
Founded in 2015 as a handmade jewelry business, Ncube has since expanded her offerings to include couture clothing, accessories, and fine art, all crafted by hand.
Ncube’s passion for sewing began at the age of six, when she started making outfits for her dolls using scraps of fabric from her mother. Influenced by African culture, fabrics, and elements from European and American design, Ncube is committed to showcasing unique heritages through her artistry.
“My mission is to embrace our different heritages through art,” Ncube shared.
“I started making clothing for others in 2015, but my interest in sewing began when I was just six years old.”
Ncube’s creativity extends to earring design, where she uses materials like polymer clay, resin, fabric, and natural stones to create unique pieces that complement her clothing collections and represent African culture.
“In terms of making earrings, I’ve experimented with polymer clay, resin, fabric, and natural stones. I enjoy exploring different art forms and creating earrings that complement the clothes I design,” said Ncube.
Beyond sewing and jewelry-making, Ncube is also passionate about fine art, particularly portrait drawing.
She recently completed a coloring book titled “Melanin Heritage,” featuring illustrations of Black women, accompanied by empowering affirmations to instill confidence in people of color.
“The book features portraits of people of color from different parts of the world, with a focus on African aspects. It also includes positive affirmations to build confidence around African culture,” explained the artist.
Ncube is driven by a desire to address the representation gap faced by Africans in various areas. She highlighted the lack of images that reflect the identity of Black children and adults, which inspired her to create inclusive books that resonate with her community.
“I feel like Black people are not represented enough in various areas. Children often have to color in images they cannot identify with, and even adults face a lack of representation. I wanted to create books that we could identify with,” Ncube emphasized.
Looking ahead, Ncube plans to establish a physical store in Zimbabwe.
Drawing on her mother’s expertise as a seasoned seamstress and educator, they plan to collaborate under the name “KB House of Fashion,” where Ncube will design clothes and accessories, and her mother will bring those designs to life.
“I would like to open a store in Zimbabwe. My mother, who taught sewing at Bulawayo Polytechnic and later in Swaziland and Botswana, will collaborate with me. I will design the clothes and accessories, and she will sew the garments,” Ncube said.
