Africa-Press – Lesotho. They started with selling fat cakes and bread in the streets. Now ’Marapelang and Mohau Sello own an empire that includes a driving school, immovable property, a building materials enterprise and a foothold in the hospitality industry.
When the couple started selling fat-cakes and bread in the streets in 2016, they did not dream that one day they would become established businesspeople with a presence in many of Lesotho’s economic sectors.
Yet, soon they had raised enough money to build the now well-known Lindi Guest House in Mafeteng. As they raised more money they started a driving school, then a brick-making business and now they are also established in the construction sector.
Despite their lack of impressive formal qualifications, the couple’s businesses are blossoming. ’Marapelang’s highest educational qualification is a Junior Certificate while her husband holds the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC).
’Marapelang said they both were not entrepreneurial while growing up.
“But our love for nice things and failure to further our studies due to financial constraints led us to where we are now and so far we are satisfied by the results.
’’ She said they ventured into the tourism sector because they realised that people were struggling to find places to sleep.
“Yes, we do have guest houses here but I knew I had to build another one…very beautiful and unique.
“The support I get is amazing,” she said, adding that their tolerance for each other as a couple made it easier for them to manage their businesses.
“We are very patient with our goals.
” She said her fearless spirit worked in her favour as she competed with Ethiopian businesspeople in the bakery business.
“People even warned me that I would get killed but I didn’t take their opinions to heart because I wouldn’t be here if I did.
“Regardless of the competition, the bakery business grew and birthed two more branches in Maseru and another one in Mafeteng,” she said.
She said the couple decided to use their car to teach people how to drive after her husband lost his job. “People love it as they say it’s smaller and passes through cones easier.
” Regarding their foray into the hospitality industry, ’Marapelang said she spent about five months visiting different hotels to see how they operated.
“I spent a lot of money to learn from those who were already in this business as I didn’t have any idea of how it worked.
” Lacking computer skills, she said she operates the businesses the old school way.
“I still succeed and my love for money also helps me to manage the businesses without cheating myself.
” She said she views going back to school as a waste of time as she doesn’t see the need anymore.
“I am going places and it fulfills me to see that I inspire even graduates and some don’t hesitate to ask me how I do it.
“I am all for maintaining my customer base. We share ideas with my qualified employees for the success of these businesses. ”
She said getting married at the age of 17, her husband wanted her to further her studies but she refused and instead requested to start a small business of fat cakes.
“Seeing how tough things were at home, I saw myself working as a domestic worker as I loved cleaning but it didn’t get there as I got married.
” She foresees the couple growing into some of Lesotho’s most influential business owners.
“In two years’ time, we will be untouchable. We plan to expand our business to other districts. We want to help more people by giving them jobs,” said ’Marapelang.
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