Vie of Twenty TwoOk, so maybe Golden Shovel doesn't exactly say that. But it's a nice tie in to what we're about to let you guys in on. Juta Street in Braamfontein is being made into the newest "cultural precinct" of Jozi. Think the likes of Arts on Main and 44 Stanley. And hopefully, Juta will give you your money's worth. One of the things theblagg is excited about is a quaint little spot called Twenty Two.
Homegirl pictured at the top is Vie, the owner of this new boutique that is sitting pretty on 70 Juta Street. The store opening is this Sunday from 2pm til 7pm so make your way through and support a sista. theblagg caught up with the busy fashionista and here's what she told us:
theblagg: First let's start off with the obvious question, why the name Twenty Two?
Vie: The name was derived from many things; the significance of the number 22 in
Numerology, the fact that the 22nd year is such an exciting and pivotal time in many
young women’s lives and also from how the number 22 has featured in my own life
It’s also not limited to or just targeted at 22 year olds (as many people think) but more to people who have the mind sets of 22 year olds; optimistic, daring, fearless, carefree, individualistic!
theblagg: What brands will be stocked at the boutique?
Vie: We stock the best upcoming designers from SA and internationally as well as
beautiful once off vintage pieces that are supplied by well know South African stylists.
theblagg: What made you want to start a boutique?
Vie: I always loved clothes and retail. I’ve worked in fashion retail in one way or another since I was 14 years old and it’s always been my dream. I was also just hungry for a place that sold all the kind of clothes I would love to buy that I never find ANYWHERE!!
Twenty Two on 70 Juta Street in Braamfietheblagg: Were there any hurdles you had to jump over to make this happen?
Vie: The WHOLE journey felt like one big hurdle... financing was the biggest issue for the longest time because my financing fell through after I had already left my full time job and if you’ve ever tried to get financing from anywhere you know that no one ever wants to give an unemployed creative large sums of money for ANYTHING!
theblagg: How hard or easy was it to leave your corporate life and swap it for a creative business?
Vie: Leaving was easy, very easy in fact, but once the first set of debit orders came a-knocking I started to realise the gravity of my decision and had to deal with a lot of emotional ups & downs. Luckily I was so well supported emotionally (and sometimes financially when things were really bad) by my friends & fam that I never had the opportunity to regret my decision. I had one moment of weakness though where I started sending my CV out but I hated that feeling so much I never actually followed through.
theblagg: We know the whole Juta Street area is being hailed the new cultural hub of Jozi, what elements do you think make Twenty Two on Juta a great fit?
Vie: Twenty Two and 70 Juta are a match made in heaven! The brand is youthful, creative, energetic, urban & full of love for upcoming design talent which is what I think Braamfontein radiates. I just felt at home when I first saw that space.
Twenty Twotheblagg: The launch is this Sunday, what can people expect?
Vie: They can expect a lazy afternoon basking in the JHB city sun surrounded by the
trendiest, most beautiful, exciting people in Africa.
theblagg: Sneakers are obviously very dear to theblagg's heart, are there some of the things at Twenty Two that cater to the kicklover?
Vie: Even the kicklover needs to wear clothes sometimes so yeah I think anyone who
loves stand-out design and being in an inspiring space will appreciate what we’ve got to offer.
theblagg: What advise would you give an aspiring boutique owner?
Vie: You can never plan enough. Treat your suppliers well. They can make or break your business. Don’t do it if you don’t love it with your whole heart and soul because it’s a lot less glamorous than it looks.
And there you have it blaggers and blaggets. Show your love to Twenty Two when you get your money right.
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