Trial and error leads entrepreneur to new heights
Thanks to trials and tribulations, Mokopane local Patience Mamabolo learned how to take responsibility at a young age that led to her furniture design and manufacturing business.
LIMPOPO – Mamabolo, co-owner of @CouchDesigns, chased her business hunger after completing Gr 12. “I started hawking against my mother’s wishes. She wanted me to study, but I was over that when I didn’t get any bursaries.”
Mamabolo’s hawking started at age 13. She sold sweets at school when she realised the only way for her in life is the business route.
She didn’t get the straight A symbols she hoped for and that was confirmation that she was destined to become an entrepreneur.
In three months of hawking, she had saved enough money to open her own catering business. She gained independence and moved out of her mom’s home but she quickly realised the struggles of independence. She said the industry became very competitive and experienced entrepreneurs tried to walk over her and soon she left the catering world.
She dreamt of working in the United Kingdom (UK) and planned to work as a waiter as a way to save up some money. Unfortunately that dream didn’t become a reality; a fly-by-night booking agency disappeared with her ticket money.
“What consoled me was the fact that the money was gone and not me. I changed my approach after the incident once again, but I left the waitering business and headed directly to companies.”
Mamabolo told Bosveld she worked in various banks before turning to furniture design.
She enrolled for the Tholoana Enterprise Programme. “Tholoana has been a fountain of answers, opportunities and learning. Training such as costing and pricing, marketing and accounting have been provided. Before starting on this programme, my business was operating at a vast loss.
I have now managed to increase the turnover and profit margins.”
Her first interior design crash course was the catalyst that built the company to what it is today. She developed an ambition to build a training legacy for those with a disadvantageous background interested in the furniture design industry.
Applications are now open for the Tholoana Enterprise Programme and the closing date is Thursday, 30 November. Visit www.sabentrepreneurship.co.za for more details.
For more information about @CouchDesigns in Mokopane, contact Patience Mamabolo at 079 316 5384 or 083 379 5999.
redakteur.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
