Lesele ' s Homefoods Homemade jam and

A Flavourful Adventure

Lesele ’ s Homefoods was founded by Shaun Mabote, born and raised in South Africa and later joined by Lisa Chivanga whom was born from our sister country of Zimbabwe. The duo is not only partners in business but also personal, and is currently residing in Johannesburg where they run their day to day operations. Before commencing with your journey as Lesele ' s Homefoods please share if there is any brand/s that is your favourite in Mzansi and why? “We have been inspired by other companies to push our venture into entrepreneurship but one stood out in particular is Babylonstoren, we just love how they were able to grow sustainably throughout decades without the obvious intention to become mainstream ” .

When did you commence with LESELE’S HOMEFOODS, what products do you offer and what inspired you to

commence with the brand? “I started Lesele ’ s Homefoods exactly a year ago, because I was inspired but the very person the company is named after “ ma Lesele ” of whom so happens to be my mother. She has always made her mango atchar for family and friends for as long as I can remember, so one day my brother and I dabbled on the idea of her starting a business and selling her beloved mango atchar.

I think at the time our family had never really thought or worked towards having anything as a business before. so I kind of shrugged it off as just a thought. But, a few years later here we are, taking the dream and trying to make it a reality ” .

“We ’ ve launched the mango atchar and the strawberry Jam. The products go along with one of our ethos for creating high quality handmade condiments that everyone knows and loves. We ’ re excited to say that we ’ ve got more products we plan on launching in the future as well” .

Challenges you faced at the beginning and how did you tackle those? “Honestly one of the hardest things is starting off the business without much of a business mindset. We are creatives at heart, so thinking about the logistics of things was and is still a healthy challenge that gets us out of our comfort zone. We ’ ve also noticed that creating a large quantity can affect the quality of the product and so we vouch for quality over quantity by creating small batches ” .

What makes your PRODUCTS unique? And share your business highlights? “What makes our products unique is that they are completely natural and don ’t contain any artificial additions of any kind, so that goes for coloring, preservation, thickening and taste. We love the fact that they ’ re handmade because it gives you a better understanding of the ingredients used to get a consistent vibrant taste with every batch. We also think it just makes it more personal, it’ s like cooking for a friend” .

“One of our upcoming highlights is that we ’ll be collaborating with Ryū Ken Chi Dojo as a co-sponsor for their Kendo Spring championships, October 2022. This is our biggest one yet, as it gives us a sense of supporting and giving back to our community ” .

Who/which brand would you like to collaborate

with in future and why that brand/person? “We don ’t have a specific person in mind but we would love to collaborate with someone who focuses on bettering themselves through the sense of ‘ ubuntu ’” .

We asked the duo when not busy with work, what

do they do to unwind? Shaun, who is more of a laid back person with intentions to always just focus on what truly matters said, “ one thing that I really like doing is taking care of my space like watering the plants and waking up first thing in the morning to clean and tidy up my apartment, it gives me a sense of comfort knowing that there ’ s a sense of order around me ” .

“I’ m an artist that enjoys researching and learning about the rich histories of different and diverse cultures. So, when I’ m not catching up with family and friends, I am a student of the Japanese Martial Arts called Kendo, at the Ryū Ken Chi Dojo based in Rivonia, JHB” , added Lisa.

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