About me
My name is Aphelele Chonco and I am a believer, dreamer-turned-visionary, survivor & lover-of-life ♥︎
I am designer (fashion & graphic), writer/blogger, singer and entrepreneur ♡
My greatest intention is to make a valuable contribution to the world through the pursuit of my passions. This is my life’s mantra:
DREAM ♥︎ BELIEVE ♥︎ ACHIEVE
Seek for, find and exist in spaces that empower you to become the best version of yourself.
Aphelele ‘Aphsie’ Chonco
HerStory
- 1993
17 October – Born to Phuti & Sibusiso Chonco at The Bay Hospital.
- 1999
Completed pre-schooling career via Tshireletso, Ngubo-yolwazi & St Catherine’s.
- 2006
Completed primary-schooling career via Mzingwenya & Grantham Park.
- 2011
Completed high-schooling career via Grantleigh College & the National School of the Arts.
- 2014
Survived fatal car accident, in coma for about a month, took rest of year off to recover.
Start of blogging career via the Inside Aphsie Blog ♥︎
- 2015
Went back to school & registered UP PHELELE (Pty) Ltd ♥︎
- 2016
Graduated with a NDip: Fashion Design from the Durban University of Technology.
- 2017
Graduated with a B-Tech Degree: Fashion Design from the University of Johannesburg.
- 2018
Transitioned the Inside Aphsie Blog into the insideWomen Blog ♥︎
Completed the Durban Fashion Fair Mentorship programme & showcased the Zulu Maiden collection.
- 2021
Completed the Box Shop Mentorship program & launched UPPHELELE.co.za/shop.
- 2022
Enrolled to the Box Shop Alumni & the Circular Economy Accelerator programs.
Transitioned the insideWomen Blog into The Book Of Aphsie ♥︎
- Today
Founding Managing Director of UP_PHELELE (Pty) Ltd – a fashion & lifestyle brand based in Durban, South Africa.
Learn more about us HERE