Female Founder Name : Mogau Seshoene

Business Name: The Lazy Makoti

Industry : Culinary Art and Digital Marketing

Instagram Handle: @thelazymakoti

What inspired you to start your business?

I have always loved cooking from a young age. Spent a lot of time cooking with my mom and sister. But it was only after working for a few years in corporate that I decided to turn that passion into a career and business. A friend/colleague who knew that I loved cooking asked that I teach her to make a few dishes in effort to impress her new in-laws. She had fears of being branded The Lazy Makoti, just because she couldn’t cook. A few lessons later she started recommending my services to others, cousins and friends. And that’s when I realized that there’s definitely a market for this kind of service; a safe, non-judgemental space for people to learn to make simple but delicious, wholesome meals. And that became what I do.

When did you start?

End 2014

Why this specific industry

I have always had a great love for cooking and have always had an appreciation for good food. I recall stumbling upon an article about Unesco’s List of Intangible aspects of Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of urgent safe guarding. On this list is Art, Music, Literature, Cultural artefacts, food all considered to be an important part of all of humanity’s heritage and history, that we must preserve for future generations. I was shocked to discover that the only food on this important list is Japanese, Italian and French cuisine. Imagine that, the entire world endeavouring to save and preserve these cuisines and not one African type of cuisine is considered essential and deserving to be preserved. This further affirmed to me that there is important work to be done by ourselves to preserve our own cultural heritage.

What obstacles did you face starting up, and how did you overcome them?

A lot of the obstacle had to do with not having the correct systems in place.

- When I started with house calls. My first mistake was incorrect pricing model that adequately covers all overheads including transport and my time. This includes being able to charge for the differences in distances of the different clients. And being strict about the time paid for. Ensuring a 2 hour session doesn’t become 4 hours without compensation for the extra hours.

- not putting in place strict quality controls that ensure that all our products are identical and ensuring adequate stock levels at all times that enable us to deliver – in hindsight all this was caused primarily by not asking for help when I needed it. Misplaced pride and shame, when I should have known that as 1st time entrepreneur, I couldn’t have known everything, I don’t even know everything now, but now I’m able to make the call earlier to seek help – be it via outsourcing, getting advice or just delegating

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

Relationships are absolutely vital. I cannot stress this enough. Build and maintain them. Always try to see the bigger picture without getting taken advantage of. There will be paying gigs and paving gigs. Some work is to prove yourself and get yourself in the room. I am constantly reaping the fruits of conversations started years ago. Not everything will convert immediately. Never ever burn bridges, EVER

Why work for yourself when there’s stability in working for others?

It really was by chance then I fell in love with the idea of building something from scratch and seeing it grow and blossom. I believe a business is very much like being a parent – you have to pour all you can into it then in a lot of ways, allow it to grow and take on a life of its own, with you staying present to encourage and build onto that growth.

I love that entrepreneurship allows me to test my own limits, my own bravery and set my own rules. I grew up extremely sheltered and a very strict home so I welcome the challenge of the uncertain waters of entrepreneurship – I would have never previously described myself as a brave person – but now, that is my badge of honour. I trust myself more

And having worked in corporate before, it just wasn’t something I enjoyed.

What is the one characteristic that you possess that has helped make you so successful?

Discipline, bravery, ability to see bigger picture, agility

What’s your guiding business philosophy?

Always be prepared. Take care of your relationships and they will take care of you. Always listen (to customers)

At what moment did this venture become real for you?

Once I started to charge money for my services

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur?

It’s a 24 hour 7 days a week job. It can be hard to set boundaries. Getting and maintaining a great work life balance really has to be deliberate and constant especially a business like mine where I am “the face”. It’s hard for people to separate the two: Mogau and The Lazy Makoti and the two get blurred a lot.

What makes it all worth it?

Constantly achieving all my goals. I’m a big believer in setting big almost impossible ones and it’s such great affirmation when you hit those milestones. Also feedback from fellow entrepreneurs, chefs or even people who have followed and loved your journey is incredibly affirming and it’s a warming feeling to hear that the work you do has impact

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

The internet is your friend. From how to build a website or how to find someone to do it you. How to shoot and edit. How to cook. Gosh you can even learn how to build a car via in the internet so there really is no excuse. Whether it’s DIY or getting the details of someone to outsource or delegate to. It’s all available any time you need it

How do you define success?

Owning your time. Being able to live the life that you can fall in love with. Feeling fulfilled. All things aren’t necessarily because of a bank balance, although its important. It’s ultimately about being deliberate about building your dream life

What did you do differently from the rest of us?

Delegate/outsource. Don’t try to excel in everything, you probably won’t be able to, rather find the best, most reliable help/service provider and get the help you need. So that you can focus on your core offering.

What do you believe is the female founder effect?

I think it’s the ability of women founders to create businesses that accommodate and allow for all people to thrive: be it young people, people of colour or parents. And a lot of it speaks to our ability to be compassionate but also incredibly intuitive and wise leaders. Ultimately people will perform better when they feel valued.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action society needs to move closer to Generation Equality goals?

Raise boy and girl children the same; equal opportunities, equal grace and equal responsibilities.

Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?

Definitely Mama Dorah. I don’t have to change to run a successful business. I can still be nice and kind and “make”it. She also taught me the value of starting from the bottom, learning as you climb and having the patience to pay your dues. I had The Lazy Makoti even before I qualified and decided to pause that and go to culinary school then work in the industry kitchen to further equip myself.

What is your superpower?

My ability to remain calm in a storm.

What centres you?

My faith and my family and friends

What is your next adventure?

Working on my next book and looking to increase The Lazy Makoti’s footprint on the continent. Have headlined a few food festivals in Ghana and Zambia and I’m looking to grow in other territories

Best advice for female founders

You have everything that you need to begin – right now. This is all you need. Just start

Do it with the fear.