Kenanao Kereeletswe describes herself first as a lover of fashion and an educator, two identities that have shaped her journey and influence within Botswana’s fashion industry. For her, fashion is not simply about clothing, but about nurturing creativity, individuality, and confidence in others.
Her passion for fashion began early, inspired by a home where creativity was encouraged. Kenanao recalls how her mother dressed her children differently and created clothes through crocheting. That early exposure sparked a love for creating things from scratch, a love that later evolved into a lifelong calling.
Over the years, Kenanao has mentored and raised numerous fashion creatives across Botswana. Seeing former students grow into professionals and business owners remains one of her greatest rewards. Watching people she has taught become confident contributors to the industry affirms the value of her work and the impact of education.
Balancing her roles as both a lecturer and a designer comes naturally. Kenanao believes that every individual possesses a unique talent. Her approach to teaching is centered on identifying each student’s strength and moulding it, rather than forcing creativity into a single formula. This philosophy was further solidified when she became a lecturer at Limkokwing University, a breakthrough moment that allowed her to influence the industry beyond design alone.
Kenanao’s personal style and design philosophy are rooted in authenticity. She does not follow trends, choosing instead to create from lived experience and personal expression. Life itself serves as her greatest inspiration, influencing her work more than fashion cycles or seasonal demands. She gravitates toward natural fibres and currently enjoys working with all shades of green, a colour family gaining popularity in Botswana.
She welcomes the fusion of traditional and modern fashion, viewing it as a bridge between generations. Such designs, she believes, speak to both the young and the old, allowing heritage and contemporary style to coexist within a single piece. Off the runway, her everyday fashion leans firmly toward streetwear, comfortable, expressive, and practical.
Sustainability plays an important role in her teachings and personal wardrobe. By encouraging intentional creation, the use of natural materials, and a mindset that values quality over excess, Kenanao emphasizes fashion that respects both people and the environment.
Interestingly, she does not subscribe to fashion role models, either locally or internationally. Her inspiration comes from faith. She believes God is the original designer, referencing the creation of clothing for Adam and Eve using natural resources. This belief anchors her work and keeps her authentic, regardless of changing trends.
Kenanao hopes her lasting impact on Botswana’s fashion industry will be measured through the success of those she has mentored. Many of the designers she has taught now run their own businesses, a clear sign, she says, that the industry has evolved and improved. She views fashion as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, noting that young creatives today are fearless and willing to implement new ideas without hesitation.
She is equally impressed by the growth of fashion education in Botswana, describing it as tremendous and encouraging. Her advice to aspiring designers is simple yet deeply personal: pursue your dreams wholeheartedly, with Jesus as your backing.
Reflecting on her journey, Kenanao believes her greatest legacy lies in her contribution to the creative foundation of fashion, something that will endure beyond trends and seasons. One of her most unforgettable moments remains losing everything during the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging period that tested her resilience but ultimately reshaped her purpose and strengthened her faith.
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