For many entrepreneurs a good business idea will come from rare places and under unthinkable circumstances.
Lethabo Komane never thought that a mere chore assigned to him by his elder brother could give birth to a sustainable business.
He said his brother would give him shoes to wash and that led to his brother’s friends also giving their shoes for a clean.
“I made R20 a pair from my brother’s shoes and then his friends shoes. Before I knew it, a lot of people started bringing in their shoes,” said Lethabo.
The demand pushed him to change his mindset about the service and treat it as a professional business.
The 20-year-old then conceptualised the “Drop Shoe” business in June 2016 and started running it at Tsenelong Section.
He said the business proved to be a viable idea as it steadily grew.
He now runs an on-the-pavement shoe cleaning company that serves the community of Hospitalview.
“When I came here no one knew me but I did my research and discovered this spot. I asked the home owner if I could run the business in front of their house and permission was given,” said Lethabo.
“I didn’t have capital for my business and borrowed R300 from my family. I bought all the business requirements. “The first day was difficult because I had only one customer for the whole day but the clientele did grow.”
He said his business success can be attributed to word-of-mouth resulting from the good service he gives to his customers.
“I also use social networks to get the word out there about my business.
“One thing this business has taught me is patience. Build your dream one day at a time and be patient. Customers talk to each other and soon a lot of people will know about you. Pay the price, be willing to wait and eventually you will reap the profits.”
He said he wants to build a franchise and see his business on every corner of Tembisa and have a big factory where he can clean and mend a large number of shoes.
“I don’t just sit here on Sundays either. I go out to churches where I offer shoe shine services to congregants.”
He said he has an entrepreneurial spirit and that dates back to when he was a little boy selling sweets at school.
“I got into this business because of my passion for business. To the unemployed I want to say get up and do something. Don’t just wait and rely on your academic qualifications. If there are no jobs create your own opportunities,” said the young entrepreneur.
He said entrepreneurship eKasi has a big role to play in poverty alleviation.
“Starting a business will give you confidence because you will be able to provide for your family and employ others as a contribution to reducing crime.”
Lethabo enlists the services of his two other partners who are there in the day-to-day running of the Drop Shoe business.
“We’ve had an excellent relationship and my working relationship with Karabo Serero (21) and Ashley Dlamini (23) inspires more ideas.”
The Drop Shoe crew can be contacted on 084 468 3711.
