25 May 2016

Selina Logare, the managing director of Tshegetsa Ngwao Pottery has dedicated her life to nothing else, but following her grandmother`s foot steps.

The 49-year old Moshupa born woman who ventured into pottery at a tender age has told BOPA that she was inspired by her grandmother who exhibited a lot of skill in pottery.

Reflecting on her life and how the business came about, she said her late grandmother and her mother were very popular in the village for pot production and of course unlike her they were not doing it for commercial purposes.

She said her business was established in 2006, when she and the other nine members of Baikamogedi,a local support group whose mandate was to educate the community about HIV/AIDS agreed to come up with a solitary project which they can do in order to sustain themselves.

“We came about with different ideas and then we all ended up agreeing on pottery project which I suggested,” Ms Logare said. 

Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) fulfilled their dreams when they were taken for 10 days pottery and business management training, and each one of them was funded to the tune of P10 000 to kick start their businesses.

She said even though driven by excitement, passion and love for her business, she went for a month long attachment at Lorato Matlolane’s workshop, a famous pot maker based in Lotlhakane West, where she had an opportunity to sharpen her skills.  Logare’s enterprise produces an assortment of vases and clay pots in different sizes and shapes which are used for decorations, tree planting and storage among other purposes.

The self-made entrepreneur with almost 10 years in business acknowledges that her business has grown by leaps and bounds and blessed with clientele from different parts of this country.

A mother of two children, Logare said she uses the proceeds of her business to take care of herself and the family.

She comes up with catchy designs ranging from traditional styles to modern ones so as to cater for both elders and the youth. 

 Logare said in order for her to continue beating up her competitors she attends mini shows and exhibitions which are networking platforms and share ideas on how best to improve their businesses. 

“Pottery is an art, it keeps on changing with technology and time hence it does not have a master so sharing ideas is ideal for the success of a pottery business,” she said.

This has seen her scooping positions three and two in regional stage of Presidential Competitions in 2008 and 2012 respectively.

To market her business, she produces business cards, flyers and also uses word of mouth as well as offering quality service to customers. ENDS