Treser Mbewe
Workshop Manager
Tribal Textiles
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role within the company?
I’m Treser Mbewe, I live locally in a village called Masumba area in Mfuwe. Originally I’m from Zimbabwe but my mother is Zambian and we moved here after my father passed in 1982. I was 13 years old when I arrived in Mfuwe after living for a bit in Lusaka. When I was 15 years old I had to stop school early after my brother passed so that I could help farming and then find a job to help support the family.
I am the workshop manager at Tribal Textiles, I do quality control and manage orders from start to finish, controlling any issues along the way and overseeing the whole process.
How Did You Transition To Working For Tribal?
I came to Tribal Textiles at 22 years old, in 2001, starting off with freelance work and working my way to where I am today.
After a brief job at Shenton Safaris, I would sell tomatoes by carrying them by my head here and there. One person at Tribal stopped me, they saw that I was doing a tough task trying to sell the tomatoes and said perhaps I could try to get a job at Tribal and eventually I ended up helping out in Washing.
Everything I did at work was with my mother in mind, I saw that she was getting old and so it pushed me to keep working hard and for me Tribal Textiles was the perfect place to learn and grow, which is why I’ve ended up staying such a long time.
Reflections
positive working
Do you have a favourite collection, design or product of Tribals?
Yes! Safari animals has always been a favourite of mine, because where we work we actually see the animals! Plus they are the whole reason why we are here, because of safari tourism – so I love them!
How has your role evolved overtime?
After being in the washing department, I helped out in various departments – actually, all of them! Starching, painting and sewing. Then I started to help with stock take – general things like sewing supplies. I was sorting in the sewing department. In 2010 I was promoted to the dispatch where I helped with sorting orders, quality checking them and sending them around the world. In 2017 I became the workshop manager.
The Terrific Tereser
Tribal History
Tell us about a colleague past or present who was inspiring to you.
The person who has continued to support me throughout my time here has been Nathan. Sometimes he advises me and helps me work through any issues I have.
Staff Comments
If you have ever worked or spoken to Teresa you know how essential she is to our smooth operation and beautiful products. Without her wise and guiding hand Tribal Textiles would be a very different place. Without her bright and joyful energy and lovely singing voice the workshop would be a much dimmer place! We are so glad to have such a wonderul spirit on our team.
Rewarding Moments From The Job
Laughs and Memories
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
To be honest the whole process because my job as the workshop manager I need to know everything, learn everything. Its’ a very varied job with a hands on approach and I really enjoy it. I wouldn't like to stay in the same department all day and it gives me variety - the spice of life!
Co-Worker Testimonials
OUR LONG TIME FRIEND & COLLEAGUE
Sales Manager
KALANGWA KAMENA
Treser is hard working and very passionate about her job which is essential to the success here at Tribal. She has personally taught me a lot and she hates it when you do things the wrong way which is great for me and making our beautiful products! She is very sweet and even gives us sugar for breakfast! She is a good teacher and fair to all of us.
Production manager
LEEMAN MALAULA
I adore working with Treser. She is an absolute team player and is always up for meeting any task we throw her away. I am so lucky to have her working so closely to me, especially in high stress situations when we have loads of orders coming through! She is my right hand man and we have a great partnership.
Treser's Most Memorable Moment
Running away from a 12 foot Phython that had made it into the old Tribal office!