Meet Phindile Kotane, founder of Peachy Plum, a jewellery and body adornment brand celebrating individuality through bold, distinctive design. Operating under the slogan “but different”, Peachy Plum creates pieces that effortlessly move from everyday wear to high-fashion runways. With an eye on both local and international fashion scenes, Phindile is carving her space as an independent designer who blends creativity, craftsmanship and unapologetic self-expression.
Phindile is one of 24 inspiring entrepreneurs taking part in the second edition of the Orange Corners Alumni Accelerator, powered by Forward·Inc — a programme that brings together outstanding alumni from 11 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, driving impact through businesses that matter.
Can you tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start it?
I’m creative. I always liked drawing, which then turned into design. Before jewellery, I was doing a diamond polishing course, although I loved it, it didn’t give me the opportunity to explore or design. That’s when I discovered jewellery design. I felt that coming from diamonds, it was the perfect piece to the puzzle.
I enrolled at the Johannesburg University for the jewellery course and in my final year, I got awarded a scholarship to study in Italy for two years. Upon my return, I tried out starting a business with different people, but none of them worked out until I decided to do it alone. That’s when things started happening, and I grew. Today, I have a jewellery business that supplies eight stores and employs three people. We’re working on getting more stores to supply and secure manufacturing services agreements.
What is something you’ve learned the hard way while building your company?
Financial planning is very important; setting a budget for everything, as well as petty cash for unexpected expenses. The other thing is the hardships of finding the right people to work with—ones who will share the same goals, visions and ambition as you— hardworking and passionate about their work. That was the reason why partnerships didn’t work out for me. I also used a lot of money investing in people who didn’t want to grow. The people I work with now are my rock, and they inspire and give me the space to do more. Your team can either elevate you or bring you down.
Your team can either elevate you or bring you down.
What is a moment you felt really proud as an entrepreneur?
There are a few moments I can look back on and really feel proud, even though I don’t celebrate them much because my mind is always working towards the next milestone. But I think that having the courage and determination to start alone with nothing was the greatest decision I’ve ever made.
What is currently your biggest business challenge?
Funding! The business has the potential to grow, but lacks the financial arm to assist. Marketing is also another big problem that I face as an introverted entrepreneur.
The Alumni Accelerator prevents one from feeling alone and bottling everything without a community to share with
What have you most enjoyed (or are most looking forward to) as a participant in the Orange Corners Alumni Accelerator?
The support which comes with knowledge about new things, and things that one can bypass due to wearing too many hats. The community is in the spirit of “we are together”. This really pushes entrepreneurs further because people generally don’t understand our frustrations and what it’s like wearing all these hats, let alone give quality advice! So the Orange Corners Alumni Accelerator prevents one from feeling alone and bottling everything without a community to share with.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years to 10 years?
In five years, I’d like to be doing international runway shows, have more stores to supply internationally and have a jewellery school. In the next 10 years, I would like to go as far as having a factory that does the whole supply chain where I service individual clients as well as the industry. I would also like to have shares in the precious mineral mine to beneficiate metal from start to finish.
Phindile’s journey shows how creativity and courage can redefine an industry. Her vision for Peachy Plum proves that staying true to your style — while daring to stand out — can open doors to global opportunities. We can’t wait to see her designs shine on even more runways and in everyday moments through the Orange Corners Alumni Accelerator!
