26 Nov 2018

What sometimes appears to be illusive becomes attainable with determination. That is the fascinating story of Ms Modiane Ramodisa and her bridal services business. 

Some clients call her to make bookings, months before the set wedding dates because her services were on demand, especially in Ramotswa.

At the height of the wedding season, Ms Ramodisa could have up to six bookings in a weekend, leaving her with no option but to work every weekend.

“What I have been dreaming of is now happening, I wanted to see the business growing and being able to fully provide my service especially in Ramotswa, Gaborone and surrounding areas,” she said.

The 41-year-old has tents that accommodate from 200 to 500 people. 

“I started Modi's Bridal Hire  with spoons, forks, knives, water glasses and plates only. I had 500 of each because our package was for 500 people,” Ms Ramodisa explained in an interview. 

She said she was the only surviving member of her family after losing her parents and two siblings, adding that her strength had been her husband, nieces and her business.

She graduated from the University of Botswana in 2001, with a Political Science and Public Administration degree and started helping at her father’s business; Tima Glass Works. 

Her father also operated a bus business Tima Bus Line. “I developed interest of running a business when I was doing my internship. I realised that I had to do my own thing,” recalled Ms Ramodisa. 

She said when she was working at Tima Glass Works in 2002, she fell in love with décor and when she got married to Mr Frederick Ramodisa in 2003, she decided it was her chance to try her own decor.  

She agreed with her husband that they would buy their own accessories for the tent bit by bit until they accumulated everything they desired. As time went on, she said she and her husband saw a 9 by 16 second hand tent advertised on the Botswana advertiser and her husband bought it for her. 

“In 2012, I went to China to buy furniture, carpets and other accessories for my tents. I also bought a 15 by 42 tent in South Africa and that is when the business started picking,” highlighted Ms Ramodisa. 

She said she then registered Modi's Bridal Hire the same year, which she financed from her own pocket.

Mr Felix Mphafe, who recently got married said engaged Modi’s Bridal Hire because of the quality of the service she provided.

“Her equipment is classic and she makes sure she leaves her clients in awe. I do not regret having chosen her to do my décor,” said Mr Mphafe. 

Finding disciplined and trained staff was a problem for Ms Ramodisa since she mentioned that sometimes her staff would not show up for pitching the tent and some drank alcohol while on duty.

“I love professionalism, so at times, it was a nightmare because I could not pitch tents, it needs manpower to do that,” she lamented.

 She said she also had a problem of transport but she was able to buy a big trailer that could load everything at a go.

She said the support she received from Ramotswa and surrounding areas was overwhelming and she was happy to be able to help  government to create jobs. 

Ms Ramodisa said she did not want to disappoint her clients, so she made sure that she gave her best.

She said she was aware that the ball was in her court to attract more clients. She said in order to win in business, one should be passionate about it and be there all the time to ensure that everything was under control and not relying only on employees. 

“My advice to anyone in business is that when you love your work, dedicate a lot of time to it, give it love and it will love you back,” said Ms Ramodisa. ENDS