It all began at the Durban University of Technology. At the time, I owned just one pair of white Converse All-Stars, a gift from my grandmother for my matric dance.

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One Sunday, while cleaning them, I noticed they had lost their original appeal. Instead of replacing them, I picked up acrylic paint and transformed them into something entirely my own. I wore them to campus the next day, and the response was overwhelming.

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What started as a personal experiment quickly became custom sneaker commissions, which naturally evolved into hand-painted T-shirts and wearable art.

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Not long after, my late brother, Mandla, arrived home with a discarded sewing machine from his workplace and simply said, “I thought you might be able to use this.” I had never sewn before, but I was determined to learn. I took apart an old pair of jeans, studied every panel, and stitched them back together, repeating the process until I mastered the craft. My background in graphic design gave me an understanding of form, proportion, and aesthetics that made the transition feel natural.

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Today, MXO, derived from my name, Mxolisi, which means “Peacemaker.” and our tagline, “Look of Peace,” reflects that identity and philosophy. The brand exists to inspire those who come from humble beginnings, who value what they have, create opportunity from limitation, and believe that presenting themselves with confidence and intention is a statement in itself.