From Fashion to Social Media:
The Mbaliyezwe Way
Her
Story
After graduating in Fashion Design, Mbaliyezwe Ndlela founded Mbaliyezwe Atelier to create unique, story-driven designs that blend classic and modern elements.
Career Highlights
As one of 25 emerging fashion designers, Mbaliyezwe was selected for the prestigious Durban Fashion Fair 2022 Mentorship Programme, where she was mentored by industry expert, Fezile Mdletshe. She showcased her debut range at the Durban Fashion Fair 2022 mentee fashion show.
Social Media Personality
With an online family of over 385 000 followers on Twitter (now X), 9000 on Instagram and 9000 on Facebook, Mbaliyezwe has established herself as a trusted social media influencer. She creates high-quality content for various brands, using her creativity and writing skills to connect with diverse audiences. She views her role as a social media influencer as a chance to spread positivity, share her interests and make a meaningful impact on her audience.
Recognition
Mbaliyezwe was named one of South Africa's Top 50 Most Influential Women on Twitter in 2023 by UK company, Brandwatch, ranking 27th on their list. She also featured on the 2020 Top 200 Most Influential African Women on Twitter 2020 list, coming in at 44th, as compiled by French company Smart Data Power and The Women in Africa Initiative.
Collaborations and Partnerships
She has collaborated with brands like Ford, Dove, Bash, Standard Bank, Telkom, Catrice Cosmetics and KFC, among others. Her niche is fashion, beauty, positivity and lifestyle.
Philanthropic Efforts
Mbaliyezwe supports charitable causes, participating in the Special Olympics South Africa Polar Plunge in 2021 and 2022 to raise awareness and funds for Team South Africa. She also served as an ambassador for the 16th Annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon in 2021, supporting the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from the event are donated to NGOs that work with breast cancer survivors, i.e. CANSA, Wings of Hope, as outlined on the Avon website.
