By Thys Khiba
Thaba Nchu – Naledi Phahlo is a 30-year-old Thaba Nchu-born entrepreneur who manufacturers households and specialises in quality cleaning products.
“My parents were entrepreneurs and had a tuckshop so I grew up in a business-minded family. I realised I excelled in business as I had clients. I sold clothes, shoes and everything I can lay my hands on. In 2018 I started selling soaps and after they became a hit with my clients I made more,” said Phahlo.
Phahlo said growing up in a family of entrepreneurs has inspired her to be her own boss. During her high school days as a learner, Phahlo sold sweets to her school mates.
She buys raw materials and chemicals, to create her products from scratch. Phahlo has now been selling her products under the name ‘Deedee.’
Since the announcement of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, Phahlo has expanded her services to fumigate houses and business premises. Currently her business has employed 4 people with 2 shops in Thaba Nchu (next to Bahlabani Pharmacy) and Botshabelo (next to Botshabelo Mall Centre).
“I want to play my role in reducing unemployment in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo.”
Her aim is to make a name for herself as one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the cleaning products market that is dominated by big suppliers. It is her wishes and dreams to open a bigger manufacturing factory.
Phahlo manufacturers a wide range of households chemicals and products like Carpet shampoo, Sanitizers, Dishwashing liquid, perfumes, Handy Andy, Pine gel, masks, drain cleaners, and windows cleaning chemicals to mention few.
Phahlo has obtained her BSc degree in Financial Mathematics and Honours degree in Economics with the University of Free State, majoring in Mathematics and Chemistry. Phahlo has recently graduated as an Entrepreneur top student of the Gordon Institute of Business Science at the University of Pretoria.
NALEDI CAN BE CONTACTED ON 0810996845
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