We chat to Lebo Mangcwatywa about her catering company, Idla Nathi Saveur Café.
By Bridgette Matjuda
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Lebo (38) started her cooking journey at the tender age of 11. She looked up to her brother and would closely watch him cook many culinary dishes. It was there that her love and passion for cooking was born.
In 2016, after 14 years of working in the corporate world, Lebo left her job. She took a leap of faith and started her own catering company. She wanted to provide delicious meals to working moms who do not have the time to prepare meals.
Idla Nathi Saveur Café is 100% black female-owned. It is based in Centurion and Zamdela. It caters to customers in the comfort of their homes or at a venue. On the menu is traditional African food with a modern twist. Platters, snacks and Western cuisine are also part of the service offering.
Lebo shares five tips she learnt from owning her first business:
1. Prioritise your clients, even the difficult ones.
2. Cash is king, so save every cent.
3. Make your business work against all odds.
4. Invest in yourself then your business, because a happy you makes for a successful business.
5. Listen to your inner self and let God guide your every move.
