Papama Ramogase
GETTING TO KNOW THE WOMAN BEHIND BUTTER PUDDING
Papama Ramogase is a creative, a mother, a wife and a businesswoman. Her vision for Africa and Fashion sets her apart as our phenomenal black woman this week. We had a chance to chat to her about her value system and a creative identity culture that makes her as an entrepreneurs to stand out.
Who is Papama and what does Papama stand for?
Truth-seeker, dot-connector and a pragmatic big dreamer who also happens to be a mom and a creative professional. I believe in love and blind faith.
What inspired you to start your clothing brand and what else are you busy with at the moment?
Butter Pudding has been in my heart and mind for the past 7 years or so. It’s a dream that’s kept me awake for too long that I had to do something about it. I started my career as a fashion designer and then branched out into fashion media (print, music and television) and retail for a long time. Even though I was working on super exciting projects, I started planning and mapping out the business idea, because I’m a creator at heart. When the time felt right, I decided to bring it to life. What a roller coaster ride it’s been. I started it small and allowed it grow organically. I’ve recently left my job of 9 years to give it more attention.
I’m also a freelance fashion stylist and I work with an amazing agency called Lampost (www.lampost.co.za). I also contribute fashion & lifestyle content for a few other publications on an ad-hoc basis.
Please explain the whole concept of “Africa is the Future” T-shirts
I once saw a poster on Pinterest with the ‘Africa is the Future” slogan and it completely resonated with me. I thought it would be a such a powerful message to expose to kids so that they can grow up with a sense of pride and optimism towards our continent (and themselves) from a young age. After doing some research, I found out that this was a movement that was started by 2 gentlemen in Europe over a decade ago! They stopped it about 2 years ago. I then embarked on a legal journey to reawaken it in Africa and it’s been very well received.
Complete the following sentence: being a woman of colour is… an absolute privilege and blessing
What are your personal philosophies towards your work and life? I always take pride in my work. I treat a R10-paying client with the same respect and professionalism as the R10 000-paying client. Quality trumps quantity every single time.
What is your greatest weakness? I am too trusting, most times,to my own detriment.
How do you handle negative criticism on how you look? I don’t entertain any of it. Anyone who criticises or discriminates on the basis of someone’s looks i.e. hair, skin, features and general outward appearance is extremely shallow and I feel sorry for them.
Did you ever have a phase in your life where you felt uncomfortable about wearing your natural skin and your hair hair?
Not at all. I was raised to be very proud of my natural beauty and hair. I have very long locks that are versatile. I also love the fact that I have baby girls that see first-hand, that it’s possible to have long hair that doesn’t necessarily need to be straightened.
What are three hair products you have in your bathroom or handbag right now? Shea butter, Moroccan oil and Coconut oil.
What is your go-to mood-lifter? I listen to amazing non-commercial music that allows me to travel without moving.. I listen to it in the car, kitchen while cooking or while working. I also roller-blade with my girls.
What encouraging advice would you give to younger girls? No matter what’s happening in life, don’t ever underestimate yourself. Never limit God by dreaming small
How do you personally define success and how do you measure it? Being able to sleep peacefully at night..
IG: @papamamar
www.butterpudding.com
