
Meet Thiko & Tsiko Mudau: The Twin Spark behind Matchbox, Fashion and Influence
Jan 28
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It’s not every day you get to sit down with two powerhouse individuals who are changing the game and breaking boundaries—but that’s exactly what I had the privilege of doing with my long-time friends and favorite dynamic duo, Thiko and Tsiko Mudau. These twin sisters have captured the hearts and attention of fashion enthusiasts everywhere, blending their unique styles and vibrant personalities to build a name for themselves that extends beyond social media.

As a friend, I had the early privilege of meeting Thiko and Tsiko prior to the launch of Matchbox Studios. It was clear even then that fashion was already a strong signature for the twins. In today’s world, finding your identity through how you dress has become part of the fabric of self-expression. And when it comes to twins, there's often an unspoken expectation to have similar, if not identical, styles. But the Mudau twins showed me something different. Their individuality shone through while still finding a beautiful similarity in each other's style—a balance they began displaying as early as their YouTube channel days.
Life after "TweelingZA"
Their YouTube channel, TweelingZA, was just the beginning, where they effortlessly blended fashion with humor, offering style tips and undeniable charisma. But the Mudau twins didn’t stop there—they’ve since built an empire with their fashion house, Matchbox Studios, revolutionizing the South African fashion scene, one innovative design at a time.

What’s even more impressive is how they’ve mastered the art of digital influence, leveraging their platform to enhance their campaigns with unparalleled creativity. Through their individual Instagram accounts—Tsiko (@neaco_) and Thiko (@camello)—they’ve seamlessly blended their fashion expertise with a deeper cultural understanding, adding real value to the social currency that defines today’s influencer culture. They don’t just participate in trends; they elevate them, curating content that feels authentic yet aspirational. Each post becomes more than just a snapshot—it’s a statement, sparking conversations and setting new standards for what it means to be influential in today’s digital world.

A Spark of Creativity: Matchbox Studios' Origin
Through Matchbox Studios, their impact has gone beyond just showcasing style; they’ve become true trendsetters, pushing boundaries and creating a new wave of fashion and digital culture that resonates globally. Their ability to tie creativity into every campaign and their dedication to staying true to their brand identity has made them leaders in the industry, and it's clear their influence will continue to grow.
"We came up with the term Matchbox Studios due to how we felt like the brand would ignite with future customers. A matchbox contains matchsticks, and when you light it up, a spark of fire is created. That defines who we are – whatever we create sparks something. Also, diamonds come in small packages, and Matchbox Studios is exactly that". - Tsiko
A Candid Conversation: Their Journey and Mission
In the midst of their rapid rise, I caught up with Thiko and Tsiko for a candid conversation about their journey, their brand, and their unapologetic mission to push the boundaries of what it means to be an influencer, entrepreneur, and force of nature. Here's a glimpse into their world:

Defining Their Individuality
Thiko and Tsiko's story is one of individuality, with a dash of magic that only twins can bring to the table. Though their aesthetics are distinct, they’ve mastered the art of weaving their differences together to create a brand that speaks to a shared vision.
"We built our identities before we stepped into the social media world," Thiko tells me, flashing that familiar knowing smile. "Our parents let us explore our creativity from the start. They encouraged us to dress how we felt, and express ourselves without limitations. That’s how we discovered who we were separately before we realized how much we could create together."
Tsiko nods in agreement, "It was about defining who we are outside of being twins. Sure, we share a bond, but that doesn’t mean we’re the same. We celebrate our differences because that’s what makes us unique. We can still collaborate as twins without being boxed into the stereotypical ‘twin’ content that the world expects."
Fashion as Freedom
It’s clear that this isn’t just about fashion for them—it’s about freedom. Freedom to be unapologetically themselves, to stand tall in their individuality, and to inspire others to do the same.
Authenticity in a Digital World
But with the rise of social media, the question of authenticity inevitably comes up. The world of influencers is often criticized for promoting unattainable beauty standards, but the Mudau twins are determined to stay true to themselves.
"We’ve both faced discrimination, and through those experiences, we’ve learned that the ‘perfect’ life people see on Instagram isn’t real," Tsiko shares, her voice strong and unwavering. "The reality is, everyone’s on their own journey. And on our platform, we want people to see the rawness, the realness, and the beauty in being unapologetically themselves."
Thiko adds, "Social media can be a highlight reel, but it’s not the full picture. We’ve learned not to chase validation. We keep it real with our followers, and that’s why they resonate with us. The message we’re sending is simple: embrace who you are—flaws and all."
It's this sense of authenticity that has not only made them influential but has also helped them thrive in the fiercely competitive world of fashion.
"We speak from privilege, yes," Thiko admits, "but it’s not just about being twins. It’s about being true to ourselves. Our style is our own, and we’re always working to push our individuality. There’s always a niche for what we do when we’re being our authentic selves."
Standing Out in a Saturated World
The influencer world is now so saturated, but the twins’ secret to standing out lies in their unwavering authenticity and commitment to their craft. "If you put in the work and stay true to who you are, people will find you. Your tribe will find you," says Tsiko, with a grin that speaks volumes about her confidence. "No need to chase trends—just keep doing you."

From Vision to Innovation: The Story of Matchbox Studios
But it’s not just about social media for the Mudau twins. Matchbox Studios, their brainchild, has become a beacon for fashion innovation. What started as a vision to help others discover their personal style has grown into a fashion house that’s constantly evolving."We wanted to create something that went beyond just clothing," Thiko says with passion. "We envisioned a space where people could really explore their individuality through their wardrobe. Matchbox Studios is all about helping people express who they are. We offer virtual styling services and curate looks that speak to each person’s unique vibe."
Tsiko jumps in, "The vision has only grown from there. We’re constantly rebranding and evolving. Our new slogan, ‘Forever Evolving,’ reflects that. Fashion is fluid, and so are we. We want to stay ahead of the curve and offer something new with every collection, every collaboration."
A Movement, Not Just a Brand
And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. Matchbox Studios isn’t just a fashion brand—it’s a movement. It’s about empowerment, individuality, and embracing change.
For Thiko and Tsiko, the fashion world is their playground, and they are playing by their own rules. When I ask them about how they carved out their niche in such a competitive market, they respond with unwavering confidence.
"South African fashion is ripe for a digital revolution," Thiko says. "We’re bringing innovative looks to the market, but more than that, we’re focused on customer satisfaction. We want our clients to feel seen and understood. That’s why we’re growing, rebranding, and pushing boundaries—because we believe in what we do."
Tsiko adds, "We’ve got big dreams for Matchbox Studios. We want to be South Africa’s go-to virtual stylist and fashion guide. We’ve only just begun, but we’re going to keep pushing, innovating, and providing exceptional service."

Fashion with a Purpose
It’s clear that Matchbox Studios is more than just about fashion. It’s a reflection of their values—values that they hold dear and hope to share with the world. "We want our brand to stand for individuality," says Thiko. "When people wear our pieces, we want them to feel like they’re truly expressing themselves, unapologetically."
Tsiko agrees, "Fashion is about standing out, not blending in. Our designs are meant to empower people to embrace their true selves, to walk into any room with confidence."
The Future is Bright for the Mudau Twins
So, what’s next for the Mudau twins? They’ve got big plans. But for now, they’re staying grounded in their vision while constantly evolving. "We’ve got a lot up our sleeves," Thiko teases with a wink. "Big collaborations, new projects—we can’t give away too much, but trust us, it’s going to be worth the wait."

The Mudau twins have proven that the best way to thrive in a saturated world is to stay true to who you are. Through their fashion house, Matchbox Studios, and their vibrant personalities, they are redefining what it means to be an influencer and an entrepreneur.
With each passing day, they continue to prove that the future is bold, bright, and unapologetically their own. The world is watching—and with Thiko and Tsiko Mudau leading the charge, there’s no telling just how far they’ll go. One thing’s for sure: the best is yet to come.