24 Aug 2015

While some graduates are scrambling for the few job opportunities, others are giving up their jobs to venture into what is close to their hearts, yet rewarding and Ms Masego Seloko is one. 

Ms Seloko, this year’s Botswana Consumer Fair Events Décor category winner is not ordinary marquee, tables and chairs hire, but offers a lot more. 

When the co-director of Live O Live talks about her company, you will realise that when she left her accounting job in 2013 for the it she meant business. 

Ms Seloko is in partnership with her sister, Ms Gomolemo Fologang. Ms Seloko, who holds a degree in accounting and economics from the University of Botswana, revealed in an interview that she had observed that most events businesses were concentrating in hiring out their equipment for events such as wedding and parties, which she says does not always translate to what a supplier might have achieved.

“I saw that as a business opportunity. You might have nice equipment, but the people who have hired are likely not to do what you would have done. I am passionate about beautiful things and when I execute my idea I leave a statement.” 

“This business should be seen as part of tourism as we extend our hands to major events such as tourism events, fashion and corporate events.”  She noted that some people were subscribing to pay television channels to watch events and said some people watch such shows to see the decors or even derive ideas for their own events. 

The award winning Ms Seloko said their business was a one stop shop and said if they were handling one’s event they start with invitation cards to the last event. Ms Seloko said décor business requires attention to details and said they do not have standard charges per event. She said their charges depend on the clients’ panache and tang. 

“Some people want simple yet nice set-up while some want to go all out to make a statement, and we cater for all of them.”  She said although the industry of décor was booming it should be noted that it is an art with standards to adher to such as visualising set-ups. 

She said because of the touch Live O Live own they have been enjoying patronage from clients referrals and added that though their market was difficult to penetrate she believes platforms such as the trade fair would expose them more. 

“Most companies prefer to work with long service providers and to change their perceptions, we have to give our all with each event, it could be a baby shower or party because such events attract possible clients.” She said some of the big events they have executed include the Bank of Botswana Christmas party.  

She said the company has employed two permanent males and three females, and said some of the events they organise require casual workers. The creative entrepreneur believes in Coco Chanel’s words that success is most often achieved by those who do not know that failure is inevitable, and says because of her passion and love for the business Live O Live is going places. Ends