Startup Story
Kelebogile Phendu is the founder and ceo of Botswana ginger drink brand, Kells Ginger. Her business manufactures traditional recipe ginger drinks but with a contemporary freshness and a purity of ginger taste. She founded the business in 2019 and now employs 2 people from the local community. Kelebogile brings more than 5 years of experience as an entrepreneur in different fields to her business and brand.
LoA spoke to founder Kelebogile Phendu about her passion for creating her popular ginger drinks and her ambitions for the future of her business.
What does your company do?
At Kells Ginger, we manufacture and bottle our non-alcoholic Ginger drink.
“I started my entrepreneurial journey at a young age and have always been keen to look out for business opportunities.”
“I aspire to see my company grow in the region and even internationally so that people can appreciate this authentic Botswana traditional drink.”
What inspired you to start your company?
My mother-in-law used to make ginger drinks at family functions and people loved the ginger so much, I asked her to teach me how to make it. I then got inspired to commercialize the idea, to turn it into a business, and thus the slogan "like mama used to make it” was created.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Our Kells Ginger brand is special because it maintains a fresh, pure and real ginger drink taste.
Tell us a little about your team
My team consists of one manual worker and one marketer who is also my husband. My team is extremely hard-working and always aims to push the business to greater heights.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I started my entrepreneurial journey at a young age and have always been keen to look out for business opportunities. I don't come from an entrepreneurial background.
“The appreciation and feedback from clients always pushes me to do even better as an entrepreneur.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I aspire to see my company grow in the region and even internationally so that people can appreciate this authentic Botswana traditional drink.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The appreciation and feedback from clients always pushes me to do even better as an entrepreneur.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
As a woman, any business idea that you have a passion for just go for it. The point is to start and move on. The business journey is full of challenges but giving up is never an option. Keep working hard and the results will surely come.
Find out more
Email: phendukelebo@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067336041246&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Why LoA loves it…
One of the best reasons to start a business is because you have a passion for something that drives you to want to take it to the next level. For Kelebogile Phendu, she had a passion for creating the traditional ginger drink made to her family recipe. Today, she is sharing her expertise in ginger drink manufacturing and turning that much-loved family recipe into a commercial brand. She is proof positive that you can create a successful business by harnessing a personal passion. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa