Get To Know Kgoshigadi

07/07/2019 was the day we finally launched this blog as you see it. A year later, here we are up and running and forming some kind of shape. A year ago when I registered the name Ke Kgoshigadi officially, I had no idea what I was doing. I was just excited to start. In fact, I was so excited I had the logo and the blog running before I registered the name. It was by faith really, that the name was still available.

I remember approaching a self-proclaimed “branding guru” to assist with my branding; the logo, the brand CI, the tone. Interestingly, this “guru” told me Ke Kgoshigadi was not catchy enough. That I should rather opt for an exotic name, like a foreign name that sounded international. I didn’t take offense, I simply removed myself from him and carried on believing in my vision. I eventually found the right people who understood my vision and after months of back and forths, we came up with a logo and look and feel for the blog that spoke to my heart and would hopefully speak to yours.

LESSON: Carry on believing in your vision even if those you admire can’t see it. Here are a few questions to get you to know the vision and face of Ke Kgoshigadi

Who is Kgoshigadi?

Kgoshigadi is a bubbly, young lady, also known as Kgadi. I’m the life of the party in many spaces. I love fashion, traveling, and meeting new people. I’m a big dreamer and an even bigger achiever but I’ve learned not to attach my identity to achievements or to what I do. I’ve become so raw and bold since I entered into the 30’s last year.

What inspired Ke Kgoshigadi? The name and the blog?

Kgoshigadi means Queen in sePedi, Ke Kgoshigadi is an introduction. It’s literally saying; “I am Kgoshigadi”, “here is Kgoshigadi”, or “she is Kgoshigadi”. It’s a term that any woman can use to introduce herself. I also wanted to celebrate my mother tongue, I had previously tried names that didn’t resonate and it fell flat. This time I was confident enough to listen to instincts and introduce myself.

The blog started off as just for fun, I mostly documented fashion shows I attended and my travels. I later realized how much traction it got and decided to officially make it a thing. I studied the audience carefully and added lifestyle and opinion pieces.
It might not be this year but I have aspirations of turning the Ke Kgoshigadi blog into an online magazine. I know how much will go into that so it needs careful planning and more resources. But we’ll get there.

And the fashion label?

I studied fashion design and technology straight after matric (before I studied Media Relations). That’s where it stems from, I’ve been making and designing my own clothes for just over ten years. I paused it for a bit and pursued a career in media but “that thing” never left. I continued making my own clothes and got orders while I was in the media. Last year I took it up again and it’s been a joy ride.

What do you actually do?

I don’t know, lol. Funny enough my parents also don’t know what I do but to cut the long story short, I’m currently a digital strategist for a media house. I strategize digital campaigns and create content for POWER 98.7’s digital platforms.

I’m a fashion and lifestyle blogger.
I’m a fashion designer.
And every now and then you hear my voice on-air and on adverts as a voiceover artist.

What do you do in your spare time during this interesting time we currently live in? Do you even have spare time?

Yes, I do have spare time, I make it a point to make time outside of work. At the moment, I’m on TikTok. It has kept me sane throughout the lockdown. It’s activated my creative juices for other projects and it’s helped me perfect my video editing skills. The fashion videos on Tik Tok are the most-watched so that’s an added bonus for my fashion label.

Otherwise, I also write (a lot), I love hiking and catch up on books I’ve been meaning to read. Every now and then I’ll Netflix and chill with a bowl of popcorn or dikipkip.

What’s the one thing that people don’t know about you?

I’m shy in person, just kidding! Contrary to how much I share online, I’m a very private person and I enjoy my anonymity. I’ve also had three career changes in my thirty years so far, they’ll probably be more.

That’s interesting, what would you say to those who would say it’s important to be a jack of one spade?

Live your best life, my love. One thing I’m realizing about life is how important it is to be happy. I paused the fashion because I wasn’t happy at the time. It was bringing me more stress than joy because I was so desperate for things to work out. Moving to media was a boss move because I can incorporate digital marketing into my fashion company and everything else I pursue. Sometimes the formula is just to move, the puzzle pieces will come together. All in good time!

Plans for the rest of 2020?

Ke Kgoshigadi designs is the main focus, that’s all I’ll say right now. Just watch out for that! And my own radio show. The travel plans are on hold so we are also adapting to the new normal finding content in the time we are in. A YouTube channel is also overdue so look out for that.

Any last word to your readers?

Thank you so much to everyone who religiously reads and engages with the blog. You go as far as emailing us when we disappear, we have been consistent because of your love and support. I appreciate You so much. We are also looking for contributors to the blog. If you are a writer (or an aspiring writer) and you would like to contribute to the Ke Kgoshigadi and share your views and experiences, we would love to hear from you.

Email us your best story; fashion, lifestyle, travel and opinion pieces are welcome to kekgoshigadi@gmail.com. Please remember to leave your contact details so that we can get in touch.

Lots of love,

Kgoshigadi “Kgadi” Rangata