Startup Story
Pearl Tsheko is the founder and ceo of Black Fabrick in Botswana. Through her company, she provides high-quality business imaging, marketing, and branding services, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
LoA spoke to founder Pearl Tsheko to learn more about her passion for graphic design, printing, and branding, and her desire to create a business with impact.
When did your start your business?
Black Fabrick was legally registered in 2020, you know that time after finishing University and you say, “I want to start my own company”, without even knowing what you are going to do exactly. The business started operating in 2019 while we were working from home, and then in 2021, we moved into office space. Today, the business has created jobs for 6 people.
“We are a professional design and printing company that focuses on taking care of our customers efficiently while offering high-quality services and products.”
What does your company do?
Black Fabrick is a leader in graphic design and creative Ideas, promotional items and all kinds of printing like offset printing, transfer print, laser print, direct print and screen print, and also embroidered apparel and custom t-shirts. We are a professional design and printing company that focuses on taking care of our customers efficiently while offering high-quality services and products. Yes, we do it! Graphic Design, Logo Creation, Flyers, Brochures, Poster, Packaging Design, Stationery/ IDs, Catalogues, Presentations, Carton & Label Design Multimedia, Banners & Hoardings, Outdoor Billboards, Advertising & Marketing Services. This year we recently added a new baby, and we bought sublimation machinery.
What inspired you to start your company?
When I was a child in primary school, I knew that I wanted to become a businesswoman. It was the only way to navigate myself out of poverty and live a better life - I wanted freedom. Freedom to be able to determine my life and be able to make decisions for my life. But growing up, I realized this is actually not about only me. It’s about the community, it’s about the ubuntu spirit, it’s about being able to inspire those around you, that yes every dream out there is possible, and what I do right now is to make sure that those businesses in the community are well represented and are able to stand out.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Yesterday one of our employees said to me, “You know every customer that walks in here always comes back and they stay loyal to you”, and I replied, “Sometimes it’s not about the business and services you offer, it’s about you, it’s about your energy, the charisma you have that draws people to you, that make people want to do business with you.” So for me, besides the fact that we are an eco-friendly company, we offer prices that any ordinary businessman can afford. We take you step-by-step through the journey of branding and marketing to help your business grow. We are always available for our clients, and the fact that I am a woman in the male-dominated business is not a barrier.
Tell us a little about your team:
I would never have made it this far without my team. When we started operating it was just the two of us. We had such amazing people who we started with who ended up in greener pastures and to who we will always be grateful. They saw us start from nothing to where we are now. Currently, we are a team of six, we are a diversified group from different nationalities, and that’s the beauty of Africa. Where everyone is eager to learn and develop themselves to greatness, and because of that we are able to offer greater services and products.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Because I knew that I wanted to become a businesswoman at an early age, I started with what everyone at that age can start with, candies. I started selling candies from Primary School all the way to Junior Secondary School. When I progressed to Junior School, my entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish. Alongside my academic pursuits, I immersed myself in business studies, laying the foundation for my future endeavours. My commitment to excellence was evident as I led my team to prominence in Business Studies fairs, consistently ranking among the top contenders. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Leadership, and Change Management. This was me paving the way for my entrepreneurial journey. To be honest I have no idea where the love for business came from because I am not from an entrepreneurial background.
“Knowing that we are making a real impact, providing value to our customers, creating jobs, and empowering communities is a blessing.”
“Sometimes I look at myself and what gives me satisfaction is that the 6 people in my business are here because of me, that I managed to create employment for other young people in the community.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Growth and expansion are definitely what we are pushing for. This year we managed to get a new baby in the building, our sublimation machine, which means we had to increase the units we are renting. So, we are looking at owning our own workshop and studio in the next five years or less. At the moment we are looking forward to increasing our machinery and our team, and creating more employment opportunities for the community. We are also looking at opening branches in two provinces in Botswana. From there we are definitely going across the borders, looking at Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Going around town and seeing our work, acknowledging that we are coloring our beautiful town with beautiful artwork and signages, gives me satisfaction. Knowing that we are helping other businesses to tell their stories gives me joy, helping them to stand out, enabling them to tell their stories without uttering words. Knowing that we are making a real impact, providing value to our customers, creating jobs, and empowering communities is a blessing.
Sometimes I look at myself and what gives me satisfaction is that the 6 people in my business are here because of me, that I managed to create employment for other young people in the community.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The entrepreneur journey is not an easy one, it’s a very bumpy road that you will want to give up almost every day. But at the same time you can’t and please don’t, the rewards are greater. So yes, you can also do it, it’s possible my lady! They say whatever you give a woman, she multiplies.
Find out more:
Email: blackfarick@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackfabrick?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Why LoA loves it…
When you build a business at the heart of a community, you have the potential to make a real impact in the lives and businesses of others. Pearl Tsheko is doing just that with her business, BlackFabrick, creating jobs for young people and also helping other businesses and brands to thrive and get noticed in the marketplace. She is a great example of an entrepreneur who embraces the spirit of Ubuntu, and it’s a solid foundation for the future growth of her business into new and exciting marketplaces. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa