POLOKWANE – The 19-year-old entrepreneur from zone F in Lebowakgomo loves seeing people look smart and clean and his business specialises in shoe washing and restoration services.
Ruchiyo told BONUS that his business idea was the result of his passion for cleaning.
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“All the methods I use to clean shoes were gained from reading, surfing the internet and also the chemistry I learned at high school,” explained Ruchiyo.
He uses chemicals and his own methods to make shoes look beautiful and smell like new. Ruchiyo started his business after he had to leave his full-time job as a sales-person, but he says he always wanted to do something of his own which had to be in the cleaning industry.
“Being my own boss and creating job opportunities was always my dream since my childhood. I am passionate about cleanliness. When I started this business, almost everyone wanted want my services because it’s an unusual business. My business is growing fast as I receive calls from customers every day,” he added.
Ruchiyo said social media platforms played a crucial role in the marketing of his business. “I use public transport when collecting and delivering customers’ shoes,” he said.
Ruchiyo matriculated at Derek Kobe Senior Secondary two years ago. “I then enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand to study information systems however, I could not afford to further my studies,” added Ruchiyo.
Working for himself sees him work long hours due to the number of shoes he has to clean for his customers.
“I am fully committed to this business and for me ‘anytime’ is business time. My business focuses on my community and surrounding areas.My goal is to grow my business and start branches all over South Africa,” he said.
Ruchiyo sees his business grow in the next few years with several shoe laundromats around South Africa. “This will result in creating several job opportunities for the unemployed youth,” he said.
Ruchiyo washes all types of shoes from leather, nubuck to suede. “People always ask me what makes my shoes smell so good and what makes them look so good after being washed,” he said.