DANIEL “Daniito” Bengeni from ext 6A in Orange Farm, south of Joburg brings dead sneakers to life.
The 24-year-old artist said his love of beautifying things inspired him to start the shoe repair business.
"Nobody taught me about art. The first time I realised I could draw well was in grade 4 when a kid challenged me to draw the best looking Goku, and he was adamant that he was the best, but I won.
"We even asked our teacher to compare which picture came out the best and he said mine. I never took this art thing seriously until 2018," Daniito said.
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He said his business called Pineapple Paradise, also known as pine-para, was launched in 2018 after finishing his matric.
"I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after matric, but I knew I would not work for anyone but myself. So, I decided to use my talent to make money drawing and painting. At first, I just painted jackets," he said.
The young designer said that before people decide to throw away their old sneakers because they have become ugly and old, they should give him a chance to restore them.
"Anyone who has an item that has sentimental value to them, and they want to bring it back to life or make it look cooler and different, maybe even stand out from the crowd, they should bring the to me," he said.
Daniito said that people in his community love his work.
The young shoe designer said his late mum, gogo and aunt helped him with everything he needed to make his dreams come true.
"Funding would really help me grow my business and reach a larger audience. My dream is to have my own space, a place I call my studio because I work from home. I need a space where I can be innovative, free and creative," he said.
Daniito said young people in Mzansi should follow their passion as he did, adding that they should not let fear stop them from following their dreams.
"If the business idea you have ignites your soul, just do it. Do it because you love it. There's nothing more satisfying than doing what brings you joy. Not only that, but it boosts your motivation, so you are better equipped to do the best job you can," he said.
1. Research the Market: Begin by researching the sneaker cleaning industry in your area.
2. Create a Business Plan: Outline your business goals, target market.
3. Determine Your Services: Decide on the range of services you will offer.
4. Procure Equipment and Supplies: Invest in high-quality sneaker cleaning equipment and supplies.
5. Set Up Your Workspace: Find a suitable location for your business, whether it's a storefront or a dedicated workspace.
source: ChatGPT*
