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Faith Ndlovu
In a world where mental health awareness is increasingly important, one clothing brand — All Smiles clothing brand — is making a difference in fighting and advocating for the rights of those living with mental issues.
Founded by Simbongeni Ncube from Pumula South in 2023, All Smiles Clothing brand is on a mission to empower those who feel unheard or unseen in the fashion and modelling industry, providing a platform for positive change.
The brand offers a range of products, including t-shirts, crop tops, shorts, hoodies, stickers, track pants and socks.
Ncube’s personal experience with feeling unnoticed and unheard within the community has driven him to create a platform where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
He said the brand’s goal is to create a channel for positive messages, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues.
“Growing up, I was never the ‘cool kid’ at school or at home. My voice was often dismissed, and I felt like I didn’t matter. Even those I thought were on my side didn’t truly hear me. With this brand, we wanted to provide a way for people to express themselves, even if they couldn’t verbalise their feelings,” he said.
With different communities side-lining people with mental health issues, Ncube said he uses the brand as a movement to raise awareness and fight for the mentally disturbed people, so as to be treated equally as their counterparts.
“We are not just a clothing brand; we are a movement. Fashion is a powerful tool that can be used to spread messages and promote social causes. Clothing is a fundamental part of our daily lives, and it plays a significant role in shaping our identities. By incorporating positive messages and symbols into our designs, we can inspire change and promote empathy and understanding as well as fight for the rights of those undermined,” said Ncube.
All Smiles has been involved in various initiatives to promote mental health awareness, including organising a mental health campaign and a Valentine’s Day give away last year.
The brand has also collaborated with influencers and mental health advocates to amplify its message.
Its founder was recently recognised as an Outstanding Entrepreneur at the Praca Awards.
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