Drip makes comeback after liquidation

LEKAU Sehaoana is back on his feet.

The businessman had to liquidate his popular sneaker company, Drip due to financial challenges.

But he launched a new sneaker called Likwids23 on Friday, 28 February.

“The past five months were very challenging. After our liquidation, I had to attend commission of enquiries, my bank accounts were frozen and my assets were attached. Accountants, lawyers, auditors and staff were subpoenaed.

“I refused to let the crisis take over my life, thus I refused interviews about that process. Refusing to be the face of a crisis and giving it more voice,” he wrote on social media.

Lekau spoke to Daily Sun about the new sneaker and his struggle with his sneaker business.

“Our designs are always inspired by nature, especially living creatures in water. Coming from our name Drip. This one was inspired by an octopus and its ability to be flexible. Its grids inspire the sole underneath,” he said.

Asked how he felt about his comeback and getting back on his feet, Lekau said it was life.

“It’s part of the journey, honestly. It’s part of entrepreneurship and that’s how we learn. The difficulties shape us as businesspeople and our journeys. As hard as it was, we lost jobs and I’ll always sympathise with everyone who lost their jobs,” he said.

However, he said he would be doing things differently this time.

“Firstly, how we’ve partnered with a retailer and not do retail ourselves is a part of doing things differently. Running a lean business with lesser overheads and growing steadily. Investing more in our online presence is more of the focus right now. Oh, and less debt,” he laughed.

Lekau said they will release more products with the TAPE partnership.

Drip was launched in 2019 and opened 25 stores before the liquidation.