About us

Ntozinhle Lifestyle means beautiful things in isiZulu. 

Based in Soweto, South Africa. Ntozinhle Lifestyle is an African inspired fashion, accessories and homeware brand. What started off as one woman’s dream to be an entrepreneur has turned into a successful business. At the core of the Ntozinhle Lifestyle brand is social development. The brand focuses on uplifting impoverished communities and employs 50 women of all ages from KwaNdebele, who create the detailed bead work pieces. In addition, Ntozinhle Lifestyle has a group of diligent young men from Vosloorus in the Eastrand who are employed as leather craftsmen. Each creation is meticulously handcrafted, using the best quality materials. The primary focus is on contemporary bead work and is inspired by the Ndebele, Zulu , Xhosa and Vendas’s use of the craft. The pieces are created, using the best quality raw materials, including beads, leather and fabric. The creator of Ntozinhle Lifestyle is proud of the quality of the pieces and offers a lifetime guarantee as a testament to the craftsmanship. With an African contemporary flair, the clothing is designed for women who embrace the uniqueness of African culture. The wallets and handbags are attentively beaded, rendered on leather using A-grade beads. The home décor is emblazoned with African style, the statement pieces are bold and will compliment any space.  

Meet the founder of Ntozinhle Lifestyle

Born and raised in Soweto, Sphelele Nozipho Chikowi or Lele for short is the creator and creative behind Ntozinhle Lifestyle. The company was founded in 2012 when Lele decided to pursue her passion for bead work. She was gifted with the entrepreneurial spirit and started off by opening a hair salon. She designed clothing and did beadwork and costume jewellery as a side hustle. After an accident, that left her unable to walk or speak, she journeyed through rehabilitation and refused to live her life on a disability grant, and so Ntozinhle Lifestyle was born. 

Lele was introduced to the world of pop-up stores and was successful in selling her products and travelled across the country, promoting and gaining a customer following. Two years into selling beaded costume jewellery she decided it was time to embrace her passion for beadwork and take it to a new level. Lele was fortunate to go to Kenya, where she brought back Massai pieces and her customers were excited with the way she styled these. She tried to shift the average perception about beadwork and African design, from thinking of it as only used for traditional ceremonies, to something stylish. 

“That is what helped the brand to grow, I took what was already there and added a unique contemporary flair, I made it fashionable and I made it relatable” 

Contemporary African Fashion and Accessories

Meticulously handcrafted pieces, created with the highest grade leather and bead work. Ntozinhle Lifestyle was founded in 2012 by Lele. She mainly focuses on contemporary bead work and is inspired by the Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa and Venda's use of the craft. Her pieces are all handcrafted, using the best quality raw products that are available and she offers a lifetime guarantee as a testament to the craftsmanship.