My Craft, My Pride

Posty’s crafts’ journey started as a hobby in 2016 where the products were made as family gifts. After a lot of encouragement from relatives and friends, the hobby was turned into a registered business in 2017. The business operates in Mogoditshane at Goo Khunou ward. It deals with quite a number of crafts which comprises of home decorating ornaments and accessories. Leteisi and African print materials are used to obtain beautiful end products as leteisi has always been a part of Botswana culture and tradition.

The creative Mpho Motsamai was inspired by her late grandmother, who used to make beautiful patchwork blankets and bags. As a little girl she would watch her as she did the work and the interest developed as she sorely loved the crafts. At first, Mpho’s main intentions were to specialize on ornaments and to utilize recycled materials. She made products such as wall watches with used plastic spoons, vases out of mayonnaise bottles and wine bottles. However as times went on, she added accessories and customized products. The change immediately impressed most of her customers as they developed more interest on the products. Mpho makes unique crafts with a touch of both culture and modernization and she is willing to persist with her business because it is less competitive.

As we all know, challenges are there for every business person to pass through in their daily lives. Mpho stated that her current challenge is lack of resources like an electric sewing machine since she uses a manual domestic one that needs to be fixed frequently. Another challenge is that she has to travel to South Africa to buy the materials but this is financially and time consuming. In addition some local Chinese shops sell products almost similar to hers and since their prices are always lower than hers, it is a challenge.

The innovative and self-challenged Mpho prides herself with giving her customers priority when it comes to service. She said, “I am customer centric, I listen and consider feedback from all my customers……My products evolve as fashion evolves too.”

In order to make her products reach out new customers, she uses modern technology advertising platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.