Startup Story
Visitors to the Pretoria area in South Africa who are looking for a luxury guesthouse but with a real personal touch, The Catwalk Lodge owned by entrepreneur Tshegofatso Tau, is just the place. Offering a combination of great accommodation and a wide range of event hosting facilities, Tshegofatso and her team are ready to extend the warmest of welcomes.
LoA chatted to founder Tshegofatso Tau this month to find out more….
What does your company do?
We offer an experience of a ‘home away from home’, with modern accommodation and 3 self-catering units. We offer dinner, bed and breakfast, and lunch too should you wish to come over. We also have a boardroom for corporate meetings and or workshops. We do corporate meeting catering for other companies and shuttles on request.
“I love to host people; I love events and just love to make people's days. I like to be the change I don't see in hotels and hospitality to be specific.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I love to host people; I love events and just love to make people's days. I like to be the change I don't see in hotels and hospitality to be specific.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our business operates as a hotel even though it’s a guesthouse. We open 24 hours and so does our restaurant. We serve with love and strive to make your visit a memorable one.
Tell us a little about your team
I have a hardworking team who loves what they do. It’s very important that one picks the right team to work with, you need a team that understands your vision and a team you can rely on.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
For 10 years I worked in a corporate world as a travel consultant. From all the travelling I did, including international travel, I fell in love with the hospitality industry. I would visit so many hotels and notices gaps where I would see myself changing certain things or improving them. I have no entrepreneurial background but because I love what I do, I'm willing to learn as I go, and that is the best way to do it. One can never be 100% ready to start a business, it’s a risk that you need to take and believe in its success before it even takes off.
“It’s very important that one picks the right team to work with, you need a team that understands your vision and a team you can rely on.”
“One can never be 100% ready to start a business, it’s a risk that you need to take and believe in its success before it even takes off.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would love to see my business grow and mushroom in different areas and countries.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I get to determine my level of growth and I am flexible with work and family time.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Self-doubt kills more dreams than failure will ever do. The best start is to believe in yourself and your dream. Once you do that, you will do all in your power to make sure it never fails.
Contact or follow The Catwalk Lodge
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL tshego@thecatwalklodge.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
A combination of self-belief, tenacity and sheer hard work have given entrepreneur Tshegofatso Tau the essentials for success in this boutique guest house business near Pretoria in South Africa. She has a vision for what she is trying to achieve in business and a clear idea of how to give her guests a great customer experience each time they visit. This is definitely a business poised for growth, with appeal for both local, corporate and international clientele. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa