Entrepreneur reaps fruits of her labour

While many young people face unemployment, Leemo Atumane (27) has made the brave move into entrepreneurship as the owner of Indalo Fresh Market, based in Etwatwa.

With no experience in business, research assisted her to pursue her newly established fruit and veggie shop, which opened its doors on May 1.

“Earlier this year, I started selling chopped vegetables part time as a side hustle because my salary wasn’t enough to meet my monthly expenses. I then decided to resign and that’s when the idea to start a fruit and vegetable shop was born,” she explained.

Leemo said when she opened Indalo Fresh Market she received lots of love and warmth from the local community.

The most rewarding thing about running her fruit and vegetable business is the connection she builds with her community and knowing that she provides fresh produce which promotes health and wellness for her customers.

“My business has empowered me personally and professionally. I now possess organisational leadership skills and I’ve learnt how to navigate and deal with challenges which has made me more resilient and adaptable.

“One of the challenges I encountered was finding rental space and finances.

“I wish I had known before opening up my business that some days will be drier than others in terms of income, however, I don’t have regrets.”

According to Leemo, being an entrepreneur is about pursuing your passion and turning ideas into reality.

“It’s about taking risks, solving problems creatively and continuously striving for improvement. It’s also about making a positive impact on the community and creating opportunities for others.”

In the coming years, she envisions Indalo Fresh Market becoming a cornerstone for her community and for the business to have branches in neighboring communities. She plans on hosting community events, such as farmers’ markets where local farmers can engage with my customers to promote healthy living.

Leemo’s message to young aspiring entrepreneurs this youth month: “Young people should begin with a sound business plan and be prepared for hard work and perseverance.

“Surround yourself with a supportive network, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced business owners. It’s also critical to be adaptable and open to input, as they can help you continually grow and enhance your business.”

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