Startup story
Mabusang Malotane is the founder and ceo of Shai Boi Project Management Pty Ltd, a company founded in 2017 and registered in South Africa, Rwanda, and Mauritius. She is also the founder of Shai Chai Organic Tea, an organic luxury tea brand design and the ultimate in artisan-crafted teas, exemplifying the level of elegant ambiance. She has over 14 years’ of experience in the event and entertainment industry and the financial industry.
Mabusang has played key roles in developing, maintaining, planning, and coordinating value offerings of a branding, marketing, and communications nature, ultimately ensuring client satisfaction and contribution to brand building. She has also played a major role in the successful coordination of International and National Events. In terms of Mabusang’s achievements and roles, she has served on several boards, been a member of several industry organisations, and undertaken a range of prestigious projects including Gallo and Sony Music; Aluminum Member of SAB Tholoane Foundation; Aluminum Member of AWIEF; Aluminum Member of Ignite; Africa Board Member at Committan; Production Operations Manager Ster-Kinekor; Project Events Manager Sun International; Program Manager (Master of Ceremony) Projects ABSA Awards; Wits Student Conference; Rwanda Royal Tour Event; Rwanda Embassy Event. She was recognised as one of the Top Women in MICE 2019, and was a SAB Tholoane Graduate 2019. She has a Marketing Degree (IMM School of Marketing) Project Management (PM) (Wits Business School) and is currently studying towards her MSC Master’s Degree.
LoA spoke to Mabusang Malotane about her entrepreneurial journey and her ambitions for the future.
What does your company do?
Shai Boi Project Management is a boutique agency that specializes in conceptualizing and executing events ranging from high-profile dinners to small, targeted events or launches. We focus on creating visually spectacular events and lifestyle experiences with a breath-taking originality that ignites the audience with passion. Our turnkey solutions encompass all aspects of producing and directing events such as venue hire, travel logistics, catering, project coordination, theme design, performers, theme decor, and security. Shai Boi brings together a multiple array of skills, talent, and services combined with over 10 years of experience in working with both government and some of Africa’s top blue-chip companies.
“We focus on creating visually spectacular events and lifestyle experiences with a breath-taking originality that ignites the audience with passion.”
“The journey hasn't been easy, it has been worth it though. As a black woman, you have to work 10 times harder to be recognised and respected.”
What inspired you to start your company?
To create a legacy for my family. Also, the financial power that comes with being an entrepreneur. Being able to also contribute to the employment poll in the countries we operate in.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We are a one-stop shop. The client deals with one invoice and one report.
Tell us a little about your team:
Shai Boi is led by a team of dynamic, creative, and innovative professionals with solid expertise in Project and Events Management, Agriculture, and Key Accounts Management. They are the backbone of the company.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My late dad was a businessman, and I learned the drive and discipline from him. The journey hasn't been easy, it has been worth it though. As a black woman, you have to work 10 times harder to be recognised and respected. I have learned my strength through this journey and met incredible people. Made money and lost money. Irrespective of the pitfalls I will not give up. I love being my own boss and creating amazing events and being part of the entrepreneurship family.
“One thing that stands out for me is seeing how fellow entrepreneurs view me, and seeing young ladies that I once met and spoke to about opening their own companies. That for me is the highlight of my entrepreneurial journey.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To create and grow Shai Boi into a group of companies that operates globally.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
So many things, but the one thing that stands out for me is seeing how fellow entrepreneurs view me, and seeing young ladies that I once met and spoke to about opening their own companies. That for me is the highlight of my entrepreneurial journey.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Love what you do. Be willing to sacrifice for the growth of your business, because this journey is lonely, and hard, but the rewards are SWEET!!
Find out more:
Email: Mabusang@shaiboi.co.za
Website: http://www.shaiboi.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mabusangMalotane
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mabusangMalotane
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ndkywljuPpg
Why LoA loves it…
Building a specialist business in the highly competitive events and entertainment industry can be challenging, and finding your niche is key to success. Mabusang Malotane is doing just that, providing her clients with a turnkey solution to conceptualizing and executing events, both large and small. She knows what it takes to create a memorable client experience and to stand out from the crowd. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa