In this episode of StroomStories, we meet Tanya, a driven young entrepreneur from Potchefstroom who is threading her way through the local fashion scene,one handmade garment at a time. With her brand Tamaria Clothing, Tanya brings a fresh, authentic approach to slow fashion, offering unique, custom-made pieces and inspiring classes that reflect both skill and soul.

A Family Legacy in Every Stitch

Tamaria Clothing is more than just a brand, it’s a tribute. The name “Tamaria” comes from Tanya Maria herself, but it also honours the strong women who raised her, her mother and both grandmothers, all named Maria. Growing up in Potchefstroom, Tanya’s earliest exposure to fashion was through her family’s love for sewing. During the COVID-19 lockdown, that childhood influence came full circle as Tanya began sewing seriously. With a small machine and a big dream, she started creating clothes, not just for fun, but to sell.

“I never actually thought I’d run my own thing,” she admits. But one handmade item led to another, and soon, Tamaria Clothing was born.

From Pop Clothes to a Pop-Up Shop

What began as a side project during university quickly evolved. Tanya recently completed her degree in fashion and consumer studies, and instead of waiting to “someday” start her own venture, she jumped into the deep end. What was supposed to be a temporary venue for giving sewing classes transformed into her permanent boutique within two weeks, fitted, painted, and handcrafted by Tanya and her dad.

Her shop in 31 Newe Street now hosts her one-of-a-kind clothing line, handmade accessories, and even sophisticated dress rentals. Everything, from the rails to the displays, is DIY, echoing the very essence of her brand: authentic, personal, and full of heart.

Handmade, Unique, and Local

Tamaria Clothing is all about slow fashion. Every item is handmade by Tanya herself, which means nothing is mass-produced. “The most of one product I’ve made is three,” she says proudly. Whether it’s casual wear, vintage-style pieces, or stylish skirts and blouses, no two items are the same. And if you’re lucky, you might get your hands on one of her one-of-a-kind wool tops, completely hand-braided and rare even by her standards.

Her collections are designed with real people in mind, from working professionals to tall women who struggle to find well-fitting clothes. Each piece is created with style and practicality in mind, and she’s even ventured into creating garments from thrifted items through her “Thrift Flip Fridays”, a creative way to upcycle forgotten clothes into beautiful new pieces.

Sewing Classes and Community Growth

Besides designing, Tanya hosts sewing workshops in collaboration with Deerdorn Clothing’s Sewing Club. These once-off classes allow anyone to learn basic skills like making a skirt or shirt, no long-term commitment needed. She’s also planning fun, themed workshops like “Sip & Sew,” combining creativity and community in a relaxed Saturday setting.

To stay updated, Tanya has created a WhatsApp group where people can join, receive schedules, or simply get inspired.

Future Plans: Custom, Creative, and Maybe Even International

Looking ahead, Tanya hopes to branch into custom pieces,think stylish tailored pantsuits rather than just fancy evening wear. She’s also working on a Shopify store to take Tamaria Clothing online and, eventually, international.

Her dream? To one day see her limited-edition designs reach people beyond Potchefstroom while still keeping everything personal and handmade.

For anyone looking to support local, sustainable fashion, Tamaria Clothing is the perfect place to start. From casual wear to thrifting magic, Tanya is sewing more than garments,

she’s stitching a story of heritage, creativity, and fierce independence.

Visit the shop at 31 Newe Street, Potchefstroom

Instagram: @tamariaclothing

Contact Tanya to join the sewing community or sign up for classes

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