Cosmopolitan sourcing
OUR STORY
How would you describe what you do?
I lead and manage a premium fabric- and wallpaper-sourcing company, which serves the hospitality and property development industries.
Tell me about your journey to becoming the MD of Cosmopolitan Sourcing.
At the age of 22 I started working at fabric distributors St Leger & Viney as a tea lady. I was very interested in the showroom and I used to ask a lot of questions. Before long, I was promoted to showroom assistant and from there I climbed the ladder to showroom consultant, then showroom manager and finally sales consultant. After 23 years at St Leger & Viney I launched Cosmopolitan Sourcing, a premier fabric- and wallpaper- sourcing company specialising in contract projects.
"Breathing life into clients' visions for interior spaces"
Bernie Molepo is the MD of Cosmopolitan Sourcing
What mistake at work has taught you a very important lesson?
I have learnt many lessons over the years, especially since I started from scratch in the industry and had to learn on my feet. An important lesson for me was learning the importance of accuracy with pricing. It is critical in any business and your attention to detail with this is vital. My advice to young people would be to take ownership of your work and always be open to learning from your mistakes, because this directly contributes to both person- al and organisational growth and success.
What do you look for in fabric and wallpaper when you are looking for clients?
I dive deep into the client’s brief to truly under stand their vision and
needs. It is so important to listen carefully to what clients are asking for and ensure that you refer back to that always. That brief may even develop over time. I seek out options that align with their style and objectives, ensuring every choice reflects their unique taste and the ambience they wish to create. Our goal at Cosmopolitan Sourcing is to under- stand clients’ visions and exceed their expectations.
Do you have a favourite colour or colour combination?
After so long in the business, I no longer have a favourite colour. When a project comes in and the brief involves working with a particular colour, even if I did not like it before, once I start working with it and understanding it, I develop such an appreciation for it that I start to love that colour too.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
As a child I wanted to be a bank teller. They seemed to have their life on track, because they were surroun- ded by money. On a more serious note, I think growing up we didn’t realise the endless list of careers avail- able to us. I had no idea growing up that I could make a career of breathing life into the visions people had for their interior spaces. This journey has taught me that following your interests and curiosities can open doors to unexpec- ted opportunities and help you uncover new passions.
What advice do you have for young people at the start of their careers?
Anything is possible if you focus, work hard and strive. But equally important is the right industry leadership – the people who nurture talent and develop and em- power young people. The best piece of ad- vice I ever received was to treat others the way you want to be treated.