Five Minutes with South Africa’s Emmah Mthembu of Crystal Customz

The girl in me who loves shiny things could not resist chasing down Emmah, the force behind Crystal Customz. They specialise in hand crafted designs made using rhinestone. Crystal Customz work their magic on t-shirts, shoes and any other apparel.

The Chronicles of An African Girl: What made you start working with crystals?

Emmah: The idea of using crystals started with me liking them on platform heels by Christian Louboutin that were $6000 and I couldn’t afford them. So I thought, what if made them for myself? I did and I loved them so I thought of other things the crystal would look beautiful on and I thought of African maps and flags on t-shirts.

Christian Louboutin Heels

Heels Crystallised by Crystal Customz

The Chronicles of An African Girl: As a South African living in the US what are the day to day challenges you face in your business?

Emmah: The challenges are that the flags and maps mostly appeal to Africans and I would like target everyone and that is what I am currently working on and I think I just found a solution which I am keeping under wraps for now.

The Chronicles of An African Girl: Do you have any outlets in Africa? How can potential clients reach you?

Emmah: No I do not have outlets in Africa. This project is still a new born. It is less than 3 months old. I am still creating a buzz about it. Potential clients can send me a message on my facebook page.

Kenyan Flag by Crystal Customs

The Chronicles of An African Girl: What do you miss the most about Johannesburg?

Emmah: Oh man. Don’t get me started. I miss the culture, I miss what we call Ubuntu( humanity). I miss the music and dance. I miss the food. Most of all, I miss my family.

The Chronicles of An African Girl: What advice would you give those looking to explore their creative side?

Emmah: If you can conceive the idea, you can achieve it. Do it or you will always have that question, what if? You have nothing to lose.