1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
Setšong Tea Crafters is an agri-business based in rural Limpopo, South Africa. We specialise in crafting herbal indigenous African teas from wild flora, working closely with local community cooperatives to harvest, process, and package these heritage-rich products. Our work goes beyond tea; we also offer cultural tea tours and immersive indigenous experiences through our tea farm and retreat.
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
We officially launched in 2017, but the roots of Setšong Tea Crafters lie in community work started by my mother, Nondumiso Phaahla, through Siyaphila Youth Support Services. The idea emerged from observing the underutilised potential of Indigenous plants and traditional knowledge in Limpopo. I wanted to create a business that honoured this knowledge, empowered rural women, and brought African wellness products to the forefront.
3. What is your role in the business?
I am the CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters. My role includes strategic leadership, business development, brand growth, and building partnerships. I also lead product innovation while ensuring the social impact goals remain core to our mission.
4. Where did you study, and what did you study?
I studied Quantity Surveying at the University of Pretoria. While it’s a technical and construction-focused field, the discipline taught me structure, costing, project management, and how to work with both people and numbers skills that have been incredibly valuable in running and scaling a business like Setšong Tea Crafters.
5. How did you finance your business?
The business was initially self-funded with small contributions from the family. As we grew, we accessed grant funding and pitching competitions.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
No two days are the same! Some days are spent on the farm or factory, other days are for retail and supply chain management, while some are spent developing new products, managing team meetings, or preparing pitches. I also set time aside for wellness, something I advocate for through the brand.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
It’s a continuous journey. I’ve learned to integrate the two by ensuring my work aligns with my personal values. As a new mother, I had to learn to set boundaries where possible, delegate when necessary, and prioritise moments with family. Having a strong support system really helps.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I am driven by the impact of seeing rural women earn from what they thought was “just a tea for the poor,” or watching South Africans proudly drinking teas made from their heritage, inspires me. I’m passionate about restoring dignity to indigenous knowledge and contributing to a regenerative economy.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
My best ideas come during my time in the village with the elders in the community. There’s so much to learn from them and listening to them always inspires me.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We use a mix of digital marketing (Instagram, Facebook, our website), retailer partnerships, in-store activations, pop-up markets, and cultural events. Word-of-mouth and storytelling are powerful tools for us, especially when we connect directly with customers through our tea experiences and farm tours.
11. What is next for your business?
We’re expanding the Setsong ecosystem to include a wellness Bush Retreat, which offers glamping, hiking, bush picnics, and indigenous tea tasting experiences. We are also scaling production and aiming to enter the export market with our tea and ice tea range.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Start with what you have, and let your purpose lead the way. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Build something authentic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate. Most importantly, believe in yourself, your voice, your story, and your vision matter.
Biography
A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur and 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award finalist, Retang Phaahla founded Setšong Tea Crafters to celebrate Indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserving heritage.
Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions.
What sets women apart in business?
“Women bring a unique balance of empathy and resilience. We are often able to build businesses that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in community and the upliftment of others. Our ability to lead with both heart and strategy sets us apart”.
