Thokozani Mbatha, the founder of Lloydhotsense, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative designers in the fashion industry right now. We sat down with him to talk about how his journey in the industry has unfolded, what he's currently working on, and what's coming up next. Here's what he had to say.
How's your fashion journey been so far?
It's been an incredible journey, and honestly, when I look back at where I started — humble beginnings and all — I'm still amazed by how far things have come. Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable people, from well-known public figures to everyday individuals who've inspired me just as much. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of magazines on editorial features and styling projects, as well as work on billboard campaigns that I'm really proud of.
What are you currently busy with?
It's Matric dance season and Heritage Month, so things have been pretty hectic lately! On top of that, I've been working with talented singer-songwriter Busiswa Gqulu, handling her styling and design work.
I see you're nominated for the Rainbow Apropride Business Awards (RABA). Tell us more!
I was surprised and truly honored by this nomination! It came from my work with different communities through fashion talks, mentoring young designers, and my overall fashion journey.
You mentioned "giving back to the community" — so what does Black excellence mean to you?
Black excellence is all about owning your space and celebrating the incredible achievements that have been made despite prejudice and deeply unfair systems. But it goes beyond personal success — it's also about lifting others up, especially younger generations, and showing them what's possible so they can go on to build an even brighter future.
How do we get hold of you and what does the future hold for Lloydhotsense?
You can reach me through email or any of my social media platforms:
**Email:** lloydhotsense@gmail.com
**TikTok:** lloydhotsense1
**Instagram:** lloydhotsense
**Facebook:** Thokozani Mbatha
The future of Lloydhotsense is looking incredibly bright! We have big plans to grow our brand on a global scale, and there are some exciting new offerings in the pipeline that I can't quite share just yet — so stay tuned! You won't want to miss what's coming.
