VAALPARK – In hardships, innovation often arises as the driving force behind success stories.
Such is the story of Tebello Kganya (32), a Vaalpark woman whose journey started from a humble laundry worker in her garage to a thriving fabric softener manufacturer.
The founder and CEO of Letz Wash Laundry Services birthed an idea to start a fabric softener of her own when the traditional laundry products she used clogged her drainage systems.
After finding a short-term solution to unstuck her problematic drain headache by using eco-friendly products, Bonolo Scents was then born.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster at her family home, the bubbly young lady sat comfortably in a room filled with containers of her product, clothes, and was surrounded by the fresh smell of her fabric softener.
“I registered my laundry business in 2020 after my internship program with SAPS ended. When the business started bringing more clients in 2022, my drainage system often got blocked because of the detergents I used. I bought eco-friendly products as a solution, and when I realize how well they were doing, that’s when I decided to make my own,” she said.
Kganya said she introduced the product by using it on the clothes of her clients, and that’s how the product got popular.
“The product is tried and tested and many of my clients liked it, that’s how it was introduced. After several uses, I got orders and referrals. That’s when I knew there is a need for my product.”
“The product I manufacture is eco-friendly since it’s made of raw materials that are biodegradable. It’s also hypoallergenic and quite safe for people with eczema and allergies. The water used to rinse your clothes can also be used to water your garden as well,” she said.
Kganya said she only introduced two flavors now, to run away from popular lavender.
“Lilly Valley and flower boutique are the two flavors we specialize in. People are used to lavender and the like; my scents are quite unique. I am getting an overwhelming response on the products and it’s heartwarming,” she said.
“My plans of moving to my own facility are slowly happening. I want to produce about 1000 bottles a day because my demand is growing. Moving into a much bigger space will be a blessing. I am in talks with a few stores to see the brand on the shelves of giant retail stores,” she said.
