Youth Ekes Living In Craft Weaving Business
Lenitame Motsokono | Monday January 29, 2018 09:24
However, an encounter with a Francistown-based Zimbabwean craftsman six years ago, who was then in the weaving business convinced him to establish his own business called Patestry Weaving.
So dedicated to his craft, the determined entrepreneur operates under a makeshift shade near Knockout Cash and Carry on Blue Jacket Street.
“I harvested a lot of knowledge and skill through interacting with my Zimbabwean friend. Through our interactions, I also developed a strong passion for craft weaving and I eventually started my own venture, where I design using wool and sack,” he said.
Kgauthe, who has been operating for six years, manufactures carpets, shoes, jackets and dashboard covers. Currently, his clients are mostly individuals.
He is also exploring options of growing his clientele base. Furthermore, Kgauthe told The Monitor Business that he funded his business through personal savings while working as a security guard.
In addition, he said that he has been well-received in the market because of his unique products, but just like any other small business, he still encounters challenges.
“At times customers make orders, but then fail to pay when their order is ready. I am still working on ideas that can help me effectively market my business because I feel I am not aggressive enough and currently I am working on ideas that can help in this regard,” he added.
The optimistic Kgauthe said he has plans to grow his business and create employment as he is currently focusing on stabilising it and identifying a convenient place to operate from. “I will start executing my long-term goals five years from now,” he said.
He said that most youth-operated businesses fail during infancy stage because they want a business that can make profit quickly not considering that sometimes it takes a while to make profit.
He, however, advised fellow young entrepreneurs to have patience to grow their businesses. In addition he emphasised that as small businesses with plans to grow, they need mentors who can guide them.