Lapmas Holdings: from humble beginnings to household name
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 840 Views |
Lapmas gemere.
Established in 2017, the business has grown from humble beginnings to become a household name for its home-brewed gemere, water and ice cube packaging. Behind this thriving venture is founder Laone Pamela Ranthoyakgale, whose entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in family tradition and community values. “My grandmother used to get people asking her to make gemere for them. I asked her to teach me how to do it, and she never refused,” she explains in an interview. “That’s what inspired me, plus go ja boswa mma (upholding family heritage).” It was this inspiration that led her to transform a beloved family recipe into a viable business. What started as a hobby has since evolved into a key supplier in her community. The Kanye-based business specialises in bottled gemere, offering sizes ranging from 250ml to 2 litre containers. For those who prefer to make their own gemere, the company also sells dry ingredient mixes in various volumes.
Additionally, it supplies water and ice cubes, ensuring they cater to a wide range of customer needs. The business primarily serves individuals hosting family gatherings, corporate events, and other occasions. “Our biggest clients are corporate and individuals for events and occasions. This diversity in clientele has allowed us to remain relevant and expand the reach within the local market,” Ranthoyakgale explains. However, there are competitors in the space Lapmas Holdings operates in, but Ranthoyakgale credits effective marketing and excellent customer service for the company’s head above others. “We use advertising and marketing, and it really works wonders for us. Another thing that helps is good service provision that leads to word of mouth from our clients to new clients,” she says. Lapmas Holdings’ commitment to delivering quality products and maintaining strong customer relationships has been instrumental in its growth.
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