In a world where many young people are told to follow a traditional path — study, graduate, and secure a stable job — Ayathula Ganda chose to step off that well-worn road and create something of his own.
As the founder of Bayside Kicks Sneaker Cleaning & Restoration, Ganda, 22, is turning a simple idea into a growing business, one freshly cleaned pair of sneakers at a time.
His business began after a shift in his mindset during his second year of studying a BA at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
Questioning the conventional route, he realised he wanted more control over his future and made the bold decision to drop out and pursue entrepreneurship.
“I wanted to create something generational,” Ganda told the Go! on Wednesday.
“Something that my family and others will benefit from long after I’m gone.”
That vision led him to the sneaker cleaning industry — after noticing a gap in KuGompo City.
With hands-on experience Ganda gained from working at a sneaker laundry in Kimberly, he developed the skills and confidence needed to launch his own venture. But starting wasn’t easy.
Determined to build the business independently, he took up a retail job, saving enough to buy cleaning products and equipment.
On August 6, Bayside Kicks officially opened its doors in Beacon Bay, where he resides.
He said the response was immediate.
“The business was at its peak during December,” Ganda said.
“There are a lot of events, and people want their sneakers looking fresh and I took advantage.”
Today, Bayside Kicks serves a growing base of loyal customers across the city from Beacon Bay to Mdantsane, driven largely by word-of-mouth and social media exposure.
Ganda said what set his business apart was its attention to detail and commitment to quality.
“We don’t just wash shoes. We use top-tier cleaning products, different brushes for different materials, and advanced techniques to get the best results.”
Beyond cleaning, the business also offers restoration services such as repainting, deoxidation, and minor repairs.
The most popular service? A deep clean, designed to make sneakers look as close to new as possible. Special promotions such his three-for-two Tuesday deal have also proven popular among customers.
However, not all sneakers are easy to restore.
“Suede, especially darker colours, is the most challenging material to work with,” he said.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The response has been even better than I expected. My customers have expressed satisfaction with the service they have been getting since I started,” he said.
With standard turnaround times of two to three days, and limited same-day or next-day services available, Ganda is balancing demand while still working solo. But bigger plans are already in motion.
In the short-term, he said aims to grow the business enough to leave his retail job and run Bayside Kicks full-time.
Long-term, his vision expands far beyond sneakers.
“Imagine a one-stop laundry shop,” he said. “Shoes, clothes, carpets, cars, even house and commercial cleaning.”
He also plans to launch his own sneaker cleaning products and collaborate with local brands, stores, and events, potentially bringing services directly into retail spaces.
