She fled to Durban to escape abuse. Years later, Hendrieka Booi was named a Fashion Rising Star

When Hendrieka Booi arrived in Durban in 2003, she wasn’t chasing a career in fashion. She was running for her life.

After experiencing gender-based violence, Hendrieka left her home in the Northern Cape and started over in a new city, initially working as a domestic worker.

But somewhere between starting over, raising her children and searching for a way forward, Hendrieka discovered something she never knew she had: a talent for sewing and a passion for fashion.

Fast-forward to 2026, and that talent has taken her to the Durban Fashion Fair, where she was recently named a DFF Rising Star, coinciding with her 50th birthday.

And her collection was far more than a showcase of beautiful garments.

Turning heritage into fashion

For Hendrieka, fashion has become a way to tell her story and celebrate her Griqua and Khoisan heritage.

Inspired by the Where Legacy Lives theme, she used rock-art-inspired designs to represent her heritage and incorporated the handprints of her grandchildren into one of her pieces.

The collection also gave Hendrieka an opportunity to speak about identity and what it feels like to grow up feeling as though you don't quite fit into the boxes people place you in.

Now, through her designs, she is making sure her story, and the story of her heritage, is seen.

From survival to purpose

Hendrieka's journey hasn't been straightforward. She spoke openly to Carol Ofori about the abuse she survived, moving to Durban, raising her children and eventually asking herself a simple question: "What am I good at?"

The answer was waiting for her at a sewing machine.

And her advice to anyone still searching for their own purpose?

Just try.

You might make mistakes. You might not know exactly what you're doing at first. But, as Hendrieka discovered, sometimes you have to start before you know where the journey will take you.

Listen to the full conversation here