We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a family of business owners. These businesses are not massive (sole traders) but they are well established and they have been very successful.

When SICK OBSESSION was started (during covid 2020 as an SME) I wanted to be just as successful and bring fashionable and quality fashion and accessories to the customer that is locally made. From the fabric and materials sourced to the production of it.

This year SICK OBSESSION will be in business for 2 years and is now a registered company with shareholders.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I studied a course in Business Management, Accounting and I am currently in pursuit of my degree in Brand Innovation (Marketing) which I am very excited about. I believe that this will open up so many doors of endless possibilities.

Today work for a well-established South African fashion house where I started my first professional job as an intern on the Merchandising team as an Assistant Planner. Thereafter I made the decision to move into the Marketing team as a Marketing Coordinator and now I work as the Digital Marketing Coordinator. To date, I will be with the company for 2 years and 5 months.
With all of that said none of this was easy as I have a background in business and numbers (mainly finances) and I work in an environment that is purely based on creativity. I had to do lots of research and educate myself on the basics of working with creatives and those in marketing. But I love it and I love the challenges I am faced with. All that I have learned so far has benefited me professionally and I cannot wait to see where all of this takes me in the near future.

Over the past few years, I learned that it’s not about where you are going but where you are in the moment. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to do well and we forget about our physical wellbeing and what we enjoy doing.
Live in the moment!!

I want everyone to know that following your hopes, dreams, and passions is not taboo. We live in a world that has so much to offer so… work a full-time job and make the money to start your own business and live out your passions. Be your own boss, it is not impossible.
SICK OBSESSION was a thought, a hope and a dream one day, 2 years later it is my reality. It can be yours too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cape Town South Africa is so beautiful with lots to offer. We have tons to do and see. When my international friends visit I always take them to the CBD, the little hidden gems, and our beaches depending on the season.

To name a few: The city centre, Kloof, Gardens, Camps Bay, Llandudno, and Woodstock are my favourite places to visit.

The food, people, and views are to die for. I often have to remind myself about the lovely city I live in and how lucky I am.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As mentioned I come from a family of business owners and I am 100% sure that it runs in the family. Unfortunately, due to the time my parents and their siblings grew up furthering their education was not an option as POC in a country known as a 3rd world country my family had to find means and ways of making an income.
In this, their businesses were born.
To me, this was enough motivation to start and successfully run. Especially after I was able to further my tertiary education and complete it.

My friends Kurtley Scheepers and Chad Biegnaar assisted in the development of SICK OBSESSION. It was with them that the first loungewear sets were designed and put in manufacturing in 2020.

Last but not least I have my creator to thank. Without him, none of this would have been possible.

Website: https://sickobsession.co.za/password

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sickobsession/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sick-Obsession-108419578162185

Other: My personal pages & business: https://linktr.ee/_alexjohnsonza

Image Credits
Brad Pride Photography ROF Photography kayla Neutt – Photographer

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