24 Apr 2017

 Mr Onneile Mario, 29, of Etsha 6 is a man like any other. He has dreams and aspirations to better the lives of those close to him.
That is one of the reasons he ventured into the culinary business which is dominated by women. Born in a family of seven in Etsha 6, Mr Mario started his education at Etsha Primary School in 1993-1999.
He later progressed to Etsha Junior Secondary School in 2000 to 2002.
In 2004 he finished his Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education (BGCSE).
“After I completed my BGCSE I had nothing better to do to pass time so I applied for a job as a temporary teacher at Kutamogoree Primary School. Surprisingly, they hired me. I was shocked because I had no experience whatsoever. However, I was thankful for the opportunity,” Mr Mario said.

In 2008, Mr Mario decided to elevate his studies. He enrolled at Ghanzi Brigade and managed to complete his certificate in accounting and business studies (ABS).
In 2013 he enrolled at Gaborone Technical College (GTC) and managed to do a diploma in accounting and business studies.
After successfully completing his tertiary education, Mr Mario went back to Gumare.
With no source of income, he survived by doing menial jobs and later landed a job as a shop assistant at Etsha Cooperation, Gumare Branch. After tirelessly working for the company, he took a leap of faith and started his business.
“My business started small. I sold fast food such as eggs, Russians and fried fish around Gumare. I used the door to door policy. After a hard days’ work all my products would be sold out. A cooler box of P250 of fish can be sold out in two days. That is how much my customers loved my food,” he said.

Mr Mario said his week’s earnings were more than enough hence his business was flourishing on a daily basis.
Most certainly because he interacted a lot with his customers as he was mobile from one place to another.
In 2015, something hit him, more like a revelation in fact.
He expanded his trade with his savings. Mr Mario wanted stability for his business so he built a shed right in the heart of Gumare, most favourably in the market place.
That is where Peso Centre was born. He excitedly revered the meaning behind Peso Centre.

Peso Centre is more of a chill-out session, where people relax, socialise and reminisce about what is happening in and around them over a hot plate of food.
Peso Centre offers delicious, easy-to-cook meals and it’s a favourite amongst clients.
Pap, braai, chakalaka and serobe. Mr Mario explained that his target market is both the young and the old mostly because his food has a distinct taste from the rest.
He takes his time when preparing his food; he usually wakes up around seven and remains hands-on for the day ahead.
He makes sure his meat is well marinated and the spices blend finely with the meat.

Serobe is usually a hit amongst the weekenders, nonetheless even during weekdays his clients purchase it in the mornings and enjoy with a clutch of fat cakes.
Mr Mario highlighted that like any other business, the culinary trade has its challenges.
Disheartingly, he explained that from the first of the month until the 15th business is usually slow as people always do not have money.
He also complained that some clients buy food on credit and later fail to adhere to the agreement. They either pay late or never.
However, all in all, his business is doing well and residents of Gumare are supportive and he will forever be thankful to them.
The savvy businessman also explained that a working relationship with a supplier is important.

Furthermore, he clarified that Bontle Butchery is his long time loyal supplier; they can even grant him meat on credit and later pay them.
Mr Mario explained that the secret behind his success is his passion and love for the business.
People skills are also essential if one wants to go a long way.
He normally networks during weekends and advertise his business verbally.
“Truly speaking, I have no competition whatsoever in Gumare. Even though there are various restaurants in the village, my business serves easy-to-go meals which are an instant sensation amongst busy people. Equally, people love braai and I am the only one filing this gap in the market,” Mr Mario said.

According to one of his loyal clients, Mr Kuhungera Ben, 42, Peso Centre is much closer to his heart.
He explained that they serve delicious meals and their plate is always hot and tasty something he revered as a rarity amongst local business.
He revered that Mr Mario sells quality and affordable meals and his customer care skills are high.
For a price of P20, one can enjoy this kind of meal in Peso Centre.

Wittingly, Mr Mario explained that he is neither fazed nor ashamed to be involved in a female dominated business.
Rather he regarded that as a blessing in disguise as clients often praise his culinary skills despite the fact that he is a man.
Mr Mario has other business ideas in the pipeline and he believes that the sky is the limit for him.
He advised fellow youth, especially men, to take the bull by the horns and use their God given talents to put bread on the table.
“In this life there is no sweet without sweat. I urge the youth to cease from classifying jobs and go with the flow. Any honourable job or business that is capable of making earnings is imperative,” he explained. ENDS