Taimi Haihambo
Oshakati – What started as a childhood hobby of restyling clothes has grown into a life-changing career for Kornelia Gabriel, a young fashion designer who turned her vocational training into a thriving tailoring business in the town of Oshakati.
Growing up, Gabriel always had a creative spark. “I would change my clothes into the style that suited me. I loved playing with fabric, bringing my ideas to life, and making people feel beautiful,” she recalls with a smile.
Her natural flair for design eventually led her to pursuing Fashion Design at a Vocational Training Centre (VTC), a decision that, she says, changed her life forever.
“I have always been someone who learns best by doing things with my hands. For me, studying fashion at a VTC wasn’t just about education; it was about following my passion and building the skills that would help me grow as a designer,” Gabriel said.
Her journey at the training center was not always easy, but it was deeply rewarding. The practical nature of the training helped her master essential techniques such as taking accurate body measurements to using industrial sewing machines and creating her own designs from scratch.
“When I started, I was nervous because everything felt new. But with time, I gained confidence.
The training was hands-on, and I learned not just technical skills but also patience, problem-solving, and time management,” she explained.
However, behind her success, were many obstacles. Financial struggles were a constant challenge. “I had no one to support me throughout my training. In my first year, I started taking small tailoring orders to pay my rent and buy materials. I even did people’s laundry after class just to survive,” she narrated.
“Sometimes the work got overwhelming, especially when things did not turn out the way I wanted. But what kept me going was my love for fashion and my kids. They are my motivation,” she recalls.
She continued to say she admits that, at first, she faced skepticism from others who believed vocational education was less prestigious than a university degree. “People used to question whether it was a real career path. But I quickly realised that the value of my education is not determined by what others think, it is about the skills I am gaining and what I can achieve with them,” she emphasised.
Today, the promising designer runs her own tailoring business, Connie Designs, where she creates custom garments for her community, a dream that began as a childhood passion and grew into a fulfilling career.
Her story serves as an inspiration to young people, particularly women, who see vocational training as a gateway to independence and success. “Vocational education has equipped me with the skills to build something meaningful. For me, it is more than just making clothes; it is about creating opportunities,” said Gabriel.
As Gabriel continues to grow her business, she hopes to one day open her own fashion studio where she can train other aspiring designers and give back to the community that supported her dream.
“I want people to see that with passion, hard work, and the right training, anything is possible. I am living proof that you can start small and still create something beautiful,” she ended.