Meet the team
Kealeboga Mirafhe-Siwawa
Meet the creative force behind the Lebo Merafhe Brand - Kealeboga (Lebo) Merafhe-Siwawa, a Motswana Designer and Entrepreneur with a flair for fashion like no other. Her journey is one of passion, innovation, and unbridled style, and it all began when she was just a teenager.
As most fondly call her, Lebo's love affair with design ignited in her teenage years, with early forays into design competitions and high school fashion shows way back in 2001. Even while pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in the United States, her innate sense of fashion shone through, earning her the coveted "Best Dressed Female of the Year" award in her freshman year.
In December 2011, Lebo took a leap into the fashion world, launching her own label, Di-Monde Reign Designs. This brand is an epitome of meticulous craftsmanship and a sophisticated fusion of print fabrics sourced from across Africa, supporting textile markets in Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda. Her work stands out for its daring color combinations and captivating prints, making her designs exceptionally eye-catching and utterly unique.
Since the inception of her brand, Lebo's creations have graced the pages of numerous publications, from Botswana's "Lapologa" lifestyle magazine to Ghana's renowned "Canoe" fashion and trend magazine, and even the illustrious "Italian Vogue." Her designs have been a source of inspiration and admiration worldwide.
But Lebo's journey didn't stop there. Driven by her passion and unwavering commitment to her craft, she decided to give her brand a name that truly resonated with her spirit. Hence, the birth of the "Lebo Merafhe Brand," a name that's synonymous with cutting-edge fashion.
Today, Lebo resides in Botswana, juggling multiple businesses with finesse. One of her remarkable ventures involves connecting the informal labor consumer market, where she specializes in formalizing, digitizing, and protecting this critical segment of the economy. Lebo Merafhe is not just a brand; it's a testament to creativity, innovation, and a commitment to empowering both fashion and industry.
Shanice Jones-Fagbote
Shanice's journey through the professional world has taken her through various chapters. Her story begins as an engineer in fire protection and then biotechnology, where she was fortunate to experience some interesting opportunities along the way.
With years dedicated to research and development, Shanice nurtured a desire – to become a product manager, driven by a desire to master the intricate art of business. She eventually achieved her goal and had the privilege of overseeing a product portfolio that generated over $142 million in sales revenue in the biotechnology field.
Always open to new challenges, Shanice shifted her focus to the commercialization of new product launches and strategic growth initiatives. Her continued professional journey led her to this collaboration with a like-minded soul to create a world of sustainable fashion, combining her passion for the arts and fashion with her corporate experience.
Armed with her corporate wisdom and marketing prowess, Shanice's mission is clear - to uplift and empower women of color, enabling them to chase and achieve their dreams.
Shanice's roots trace back to the picturesque island of Jamaica, where her journey began. But life took her to Massachusetts, where she truly grew and thrived. Armed with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, with a concentration in mechanics, and a wealth of business experience, she brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to everything
she undertakes.
In her moments of respite, Shanice is a wanderer, a real estate maven, an artist, and a dancer. She is a symphony of diverse interests, reflecting in her continuous life journey.