At some point, she was selling ten dresses from her mother's bed.
Even though she didn't have much at the time, her faith and passion for fashion saw her through.
After dropping out of an IT course, she had to make sure that her dreams come true.
Now her mother needs a pinch or two to be assured that Bonolo's success is no longer a dream but a reality.
Bonolo Mashilo gives Drum a warm welcome to the B Mashilo headquarters in Pretoria and the bubbly designer tells us all about the rollercoaster journey to her success.
With two stores in two different provinces now, the Limpopo-born creative beams with pride as she takes us to where it all started, her signature fashion detail, her parents' support and dressing the big names in the game.
If you've seen former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Dr Winnie Mashaba's custom-made dresses, know that its the work of Bonolo's hands.
Listen and watch the story behind her brand below.
Audio here:
