Startup Story
Keneilwe Latoya Molomo is the founder of Toya's Homemade Chilli in Botswana. She is new to the entrepreneurial world and launched her company in December 2022. A Diplomat by profession, Keneilwe hopes to get her product into retail outlets countrywide and eventually to break into export markets.
LoA spoke to the chilli-loving entrepreneur, Keneilwe Latoya Molomo, about her entrepreneurial journey so far, and also her ambitions for her unique brand of chilli relish.
What does your company do?
Toya's Homemade Chilli makes a relish that comes in three flavors i.e., mild, hot, and extra hot.
“Toya's Homemade Chilli is a passion project in which love can be tasted in each bottle. Our clients have come back to attest to this fact.”
“We are currently operating from home and farmers markets on weekends. We hope to enter the retail space one day and eventually export.”
What inspired you to start your company?
A need. I am originally from Botswana but was based in Pretoria, South Africa for just over 6 years. There's a relish that my sister used to get for me but couldn't when border closures happened, due to Covid. So, I decided I'd learn to make my own that would be perfect to my liking. I didn't want to buy the readily available sauces found in supermarkets. So, that’s where the business idea started.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
It is a passion project in which love can be tasted in each bottle. Our clients have come back to attest to this fact.
Tell us a little about your team:
I'm a one-woman show for now as the brand is still in its infancy.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My mother was a serial entrepreneur whose lifestyle I didn't wish for. As a school-going kid, I'd always be roped in to help during school holidays, which was never glamorous. So, my dream was to go to university, graduate, and get an office job. Which I did. I guess the joke is on me. The bug must have bitten, and I can't ignore it. After a full day at the office, I came back home to put in the hours to this newfound passion.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We are currently operating from home and farmers markets on weekends. We hope to enter the retail space one day and eventually export. The requisite testing of the product as outlined by the Bureau of Standards is ongoing.
“Seeing the business and brand grow is the most fulfilling, as well as the feedback we receive from clients. It makes it all worth it.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing the business and brand grow is the most fulfilling, as well as the feedback we receive from clients. It makes it all worth it.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Just start with the little you have. It's shocking what determination, perseverance, and good customer service can do for your start-up.
Find out more
https://www.facebook.com/toyas.homemade.chilli?mibextid=ZbWKwL
https://instagram.com/toyas_homemade_chilli?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
Why LoA loves it…
Many women entrepreneurs launch a business that is driven by a passion for a particular product or service offering, and that is certainly the case with foodpreneur Keneilwe Latoya Molomo. She is taking her passion for chilli to new heights, building her new chilli relish brand organically, one happy customer at a time. A home-grown chilli brand to watch over the coming months. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa