11 Apr 2022

A woman who has a fierce and robust spirit can excel in every area she explores, so they say.

Such a woman is 31-year-old Tebo Segaetsho, who owns a home-based confectionery business called in Molepolole.

Tebo’s Yummy Desserts started in August 2020, a time when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt hard due to the health protocols imposed on the communities to curb its effect.

One such strategy was a lockdown that resulted in job losses and diminishing employment opportunities.

Instead of giving up like many others, Ms Segaetsho turned to what she loved most and it has paid dividends.

She said her love for desserts started at a young age when she used to attend weddings, but at times she was denied the delicacy as she never made the VIP guest list.

From this experience, she embarked on her journey to make her own desserts.

“Because of my love for cooking and trying out different dishes, I started making desserts trying out different flavours and I would share them with my family and friends,” she said.

In an interview with BOPA, the Diploma in Business Skills graduate from GIPS, who also holds a Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, explained that her journey to success began when she first posted a photo of a dessert she made on Facebook and people responded with positive comments.

“It was truly a life-changing moment for me that day.

A day when I first received my first order,” she said.

The business now offers four different products among them flavoured desserts, milkshakes, non-alcoholic cocktails and ginger drink.

Her variety in products and flavours is an indication that she wants to expand her business and customer base.

Ms Segaetsho said even though some only wanted to taste her desserts, others have truly made her sow a seed of being self-reliant and independence.

The confectioner, who hails from Goo Seletlwe ward in Molepolole, indicated that apart from her customers’ response, she is also inspired by her mother, who is her number one supporter.

Ms Segaetsho would like to remind her mother that she did a tremendous job by raising a strong woman who is not just a great cook, but a confectioner.

She also states that her mother always challenges her to create new flavours.

“I wish that everyone could have a mother like mine,” she states, her face lighting up with smiles that can only that one is full of  appreciation.

The moment you encounter Tebo’s workspace you will instantly know she is indeed in love with what she does.

The containers for the desserts are nicely branded and stored neatly, the desserts and other products are done and nicely stored in the refrigerator.

The young lady prides herself in always receiving consistent positive responses from her customers, which have enabled her to sell her products in most places in the Kweneng region.

Some of the places include Molepolole,Thamaga, Lentsweletau, Manyana, Gaborone and Moshopa.

 “I love my job, I get to do my favourite thing to perfection every single day,” Ms Segaetsho said.

She states that she intends to expand her customer base by advertising her products to restaurants, hotels and other companies.

She also hopes to someday be able to afford bigger machinery, especially the refrigerator which will enable her to produce in large quantities.

The confectionery business owner said she would forever be grateful  for Mr Phuthego Chere of Gaborone Business Association, for organising Molepolole

Market Day, which gave her a chance to make the community aware of her products.

Ms Segaetsho advised feloow youths to discover their talents and use them to make a living. ENDS