Takeover Studio (Pty) Ltd.
What does your company do?
Takeover Studio is a sustainable fashion brand that handcrafts premium bags using repurposed 100% cotton yarn.
We blend creative craftsmanship with a strong social mission: empowering young artisans through skills development, job creation, and meaningful economic opportunities. Every product we make is a reflection of our commitment to sustainability, ethical fashion, and African creativity.
At Takeover Studio, we believe fashion can be a tool for change, helping protect the planet, uplift communities, and tell new stories of innovation from Africa to the world.
What is your biggest success?
Our biggest success has been winning the Astron Energy Development Fund Business Plan Competition. This achievement was not just about securing a prize — it was a powerful validation of the heart, hard work, and purpose behind Takeover Studio. Competing alongside so many brilliant entrepreneurs and coming out on top showed that our vision for sustainable fashion, youth empowerment, and African craftsmanship truly resonates. It exposed us nationally, strengthened our credibility, and opened doors to new partnerships and growth opportunities. Winning this competition was a turning point that energized our brand and our belief that business can be a force for meaningful change.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
One of the greatest challenges we faced early on was sourcing the right materials. Since Takeover Studio is committed to sustainability, it was crucial for us to use repurposed 100% cotton yarn — but finding a reliable, ethical supplier for such a specialized material was extremely difficult. There were moments it felt almost impossible; suppliers often didn't meet our environmental or quality standards, and there were few options available locally.
Despite those obstacles, we persevered — researching, networking, and negotiating until we finally secured a supplier that aligned with our values. That breakthrough was a turning point. It meant we could stay true to our commitment to sustainable fashion without compromising on quality, and it reinforced our belief that staying persistent and true to your vision always pays off.
