Cyla Gonsolves

What does your company do?

My company, the Cyla Gonsolves brand, creates casually luxurious womenswear that blends timeless elegance with a modern, effortless style. We specialize in resort wear and knitwear—each piece designed to make women feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable. Our collections are thoughtfully created in a small studio on a farm in Porterville and brought to life with the support of our talented, all-women team based in the Cape Flats. We are proud to be a 100% women-led brand, with a strong focus on craftsmanship, community, and empowering women through meaningful employment. Every piece is made with love, hand-finished detail, and a deep commitment to quality that ensures it can be worn and cherished for years to come.

What is your biggest success?

My biggest success has been building the Cyla Gonsolves brand into a recognized name in South African fashion. As Founder and Creative Director, I’ve led the brand from concept to reality — designing trend-focused collections, collaborating with major retailers like Mr Price, and managing every aspect of the business, from product development to distribution. Beyond the business growth, what I’m most proud of is creating meaningful employment for women through our 100% women-led team, many of whom are based in the Cape Flats. We’ve cultivated a supportive and empowering work environment where creativity thrives and skills are uplifted. With over 7 years of experience in fashion design, trend forecasting, and brand strategy, I’ve stayed committed to creating high-quality, thoughtfully designed pieces that speak to modern women. Seeing the brand grow, gaining recognition for our design work, and remaining rooted in purpose has been my greatest achievement so far.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of my biggest hurdles has been building and sustaining a fashion brand in a highly competitive industry, especially while being based in a small town like Porterville. Access to resources, suppliers, and industry networks is more limited compared to big cities, which has required extra creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking. Balancing the creative side with the realities of running a business — including funding, logistics, and distribution — has also been a steep learning curve. But the biggest personal hurdle has been learning to trust my voice as a leader and believe in the value of my work, especially as a woman building a brand from the ground up. Despite the challenges, these hurdles have shaped my growth as a designer and entrepreneur. They've strengthened my commitment to empowering women through fashion and building something truly meaningful from where I am, with what I have.