Nonhlanhla Shongwe is a multidisciplinary creative, stylist, and storyteller from Eswatini whose work bridges the worlds of slow fashion, sustainable living, and cultural preservation. As the founder of SASA LU, a conscious brand rooted in natural fibers and mindful craftsmanship, she reimagines what it means to dress, live, and create with purpose. 

With a background in culinary arts and natural hair care, Nonhlanhla’s artistry flows through food, fashion, and wellness—each an expression of her belief that creativity and nature exist in harmony. Her creative philosophy centers on “living slowly and creating meaningfully,” celebrating materials like linen, cotton, hemp, silk, and wool that tell honest stories of the earth and the hands that shape them. 

Nonhlanhla’s work extends beyond the studio into cultural and educational spaces. Through her ongoing collaboration with one of the biggest festivals in Eswatini, the Standard Bank LUJU Food & Lifestyle Festival, she curates and styles sustainable fashion experiences that spotlight Eswatini’s creative heritage, emerging design talent and African regional designers. As a Standard Bank LUJU Fashion Program stylist, mentor and panelist, she uses storytelling, visual design, and community engagement to spark dialogue around African identity, sustainability, and innovation in design. 

Through SASA LU, Nonhlanhla continues to champion upcycling, community mentorship, and cultural storytelling, often working with students and artisans to reimagine waste into wearable art. 

A visionary advocate for slow living and creative impact, Nonhlanhla Shongwe stands at the intersection of heritage and sustainability—crafting a future where fashion becomes a form of healing, education, and renewal.