By Noko Masilo
Former paramedic and nurse, Kgomotso Moagi, is a visionary crochet fashion designer and creative director of Nuna’s Boutique. Her journey into crochet artistry began in the depths of personal struggle as she battled severe depression and anxiety. Turning to crochet as a form of therapy, she found solace and healing in the rhythmic motion of her hands. What began as a way to manage her mental health soon blossomed into a life-changing passion. Today, her designs are both a testament to her resilience and a celebration of transforming pain into beauty.
In a recent interview, Moagi recalled her time at the Akeso Clinic in 2017, where she was treated for severe depression and anxiety. “There were art classes for jewellery and mindful colouring that reminded me of the crochet skill I learned from my grandmother, Dikeledi Nyirenda, when I was 12 years old,” she shared. This spark reignited her love for crocheting. “I asked my husband, Matome Moagi, to buy me wool and crochet hooks. My first design was a bag, which I sold to another patient for R250. By the end of my three-week programme, I had made R4600 and created fashion that tells a story of overcoming adversity and embraces the therapeutic power of art to heal and inspire.”
This success led her to register Nuna’s Boutique, specialising in unique crochet items like jerseys, skirts, bags, scarves, jewellery, blankets, and home décor. Three months later, Moagi held her first fashion show in Braamfontein in Johannesburg. She admitted that she did know what she was doing, and the garments “weren’t as refined as today’s masterpieces.” Crocheting became more than a skill — it was therapy, eventually enabling Moagi to wean off medication. “It’s a hobby that augments my income and gave me the courage to leave paramedics and nursing after 10 years in both fields.”
Her talent has been showcased at the Loxion Kulca fashion show, where a garment she designed was worn by radio personality Lerato Kganyago. She has also crafted pieces for renowned brands, including a crochet neckpiece for David Tlale. For aspiring crochet designers, her advice is simple: “Just start. No one can do it like you, and you’ll perfect your skill with time.” Today, Moagi mainly sells her garments online through social media, bringing her handcrafted creations to clients across South Africa.
