By Noko Mashilo
Sepitsi Chepape is a talented leather artisan whose path into craftsmanship took shape after he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Although equipped with a strong academic background and technical skills, Chepape found himself facing a difficult period of unemployment. Refusing to give in frustration, he applied his problem-solving skills and creativity to a new venture, designing and crafting high-quality leather bags.
Chepape explained to Vutivi News that after completing his mechanical engineering course at University of Johannesburg in 2019, he was keen to stay active rather than remain idle at home. “I wanted to keep myself busy while looking for a job. I was watching YouTube when I came across a video of a craftsman making wallets using kitchen utensils for cutting and creating holes. I was fascinated, and my friend Cavin Ramulongo provided pieces of leather for me to try,” said Chepape, who is GaRamokgopa in Limpopo.
His first attempt at making a cardholder did not turn out well, but he persisted. “On my second try, it looked much better, and we soon added wallets. The business started expanding into other provinces, and that’s how Retrofit Boss was established,” Chepape shared.
Now trading for four years, Retrofit Boss specialises in crafting leather bags such as travel bags, crossbody bags, and tote bags for men and women. “We also make accessories like key holders, cardholders, wallets, and much more. Our bags include compartments for clothing, accessories, and toiletries,” said Chepape. What sets Retrofit Boss apart is its unique, handcrafted designs. “Our bags are hand-stitched and personalised, using genuine full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather. This blend of practicality and artistry results in beautifully crafted bags” said Chepape.
Driven by a passion for quality and design, Chepape has transformed what began as a personal project into a successful business offering timeless, handmade leather bags that balance form and function. He noted that the most popular products at the company were handbags for women, followed by men’s side bags. “These are followed by laptop bags and key holders, which are often ordered in bulk by corporate clients,” said Chepape.
However, he highlighted some challenges in expanding and maintaining his client base, which could be influenced by delivery expectations and communication barriers. “Sometimes it’s about materials; suppliers may not always have what we need,” he said. Chepape operates from a workshop on UJ’s Doornfontein campus.
