Africa-Press – Botswana. Amidst the widespread hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals faced unemployment and financial uncertainty.
However, for some entrepreneurs, these challenging times sparked innovative ideas and new business ventures. One such example is Dust Off Sneakers, a burgeoning sneaker cleaning service founded by 29-year-old Mr Tlhomo Moipone of Sebego ward in Kanye. The idea for Dust Off Sneakers was born during the COVID-19 lockdowns when Mr Moipone, seeking ways to stay occupied at home, began cleaning and drying his own sneakers.
“While cleaning my sneakers, I realised others might be interested in the same service,” Mr Moipone said.
Soon, neighbours and friends noticed his work and started bringing their shoes for cleaning, prompting him to see potential in the business. With support from Mr Tshepo Joseph of TR Joseph’s Masters Athletics and guidance to formalise his idea, Mr Moipone set up the business at a location opposite Mongala Mall, near the Shell filling station in Kanye.
Originally, the team started by washing sneakers free of charge, experimenting with basic cleaning agents like kitchen detergents and soap bars, using traditional tubs and orange bags for scrubbing. As demand increased, Mr Moipone and his team invested in specialised cleaning products, including chemicals that restore whiteness and midsole un-yellowing solutions.
The business now employs modern equipment such as drying machines, enabling a quick turnaround for customers, typically 30 minutes for express orders, mainly during weekends and holidays. Dust Off Sneakers offers a range of services, including sneaker polishing, colour restoration, sole un-yellowing, and shoe lace repairs.
The company caters to individual clients and bulk orders from corporate clients, with some clients from Lobatse regularly requesting cleaning services. On average, Mr Moipone serves about 10 clients daily.
Looking ahead, Mr Moipone plans to expand through partnerships, already collaborating with KFX, an event hosting organisation, by offering sneaker cleaning for ticketed events. He aims to build relationships with other corporate entities and enhance brand recognition through branding and excellent customer service.
Mr Moipone emphasises discipline, product quality and customer care as key to his business success. Despite the rise of digital marketing, he believes firsthand, genuine experiences build trust. “If you want to start, focus on purpose and understanding your work,” he advises young entrepreneurs.
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