STARTING one’s own business from scratch can be nerve wrecking at best – especially if you are a mother of four with your entire nest egg invested in your dream.
You need the courage of a Spartan, the nerves of a fighter pilot and the skill of a Swiss watchmaker.
Thobeka Mtiya, owner of the brand new Angelberry franchise in the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, resigned from a well-paid position in the hotel industry to move to Richards Bay – a place she has never heard of until her arrival some weeks ago.
She is the first individually owned franchisee of the UK brand and her motto is customer service excellence.
The single mom of Phathiswa, Neliswa, Abenathi and Zethu, said the journey to finally opening doors in Zululand has been fraught with delays, including a fire on board the cargo ship which brought her precious machines.
But she did not expect plain sailing all the way.
‘I had to learn patience, which is a virtue I did not previously have,’ she smiles, recounting many humorous incidents, including her surprise at the size of the local airport and shopping complex compared to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
She also intended to stay with a friend in Durban while checking out Richards Bay with the shuttle service.
‘I was shocked to discover I was two hours away from Durban.’
Mtiya, who studied Tourism and Industry at the Walter Sisulu University, says she thrives in the hospitality industry.
‘I love people, new cultures, fresh scenery and excitement. I don’t like a predictable day, change and challenges keep me alive.’
Originally from the Eastern Cape, Mtiya cut her teeth in upmarket hotels in Cape Town.
After 15 years, she relocated to Rustenberg as the executive housekeeper at Sun City.
With three years at the casino hotel and five star grading under the belt, she was ready for a new chapter.
‘I have so much passion and energy, which I can put into my own business, while building a legacy of entrepreneurship for my children.
Her dream started with a Google search, a convention, tasting a spoon and finally discovering the perfect place to sell ice cream and yogurt.
Zululand – where the sun always shines.
‘My strength comes from Scripture – I believe we will prosper and contribute to the richness of Zululand.’
