#WIB – Q&A With Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, MD of Tshepiso Branding Solutions

  • Save
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

We offer forward-thinking conscientious selection of sustainable branding solutions with the aim of enhancing our DREAM CLIENTS brands visibility on and offline. We go beyond branding, we are on a mission to empower our clients to embrace Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Goals because we firmly believe that our impact of our solutions extends far beyond the realm of meeting branding objectives. It transcends into tangible results that ripple through our environment, creating a world that’s visibly greener and more sustainable.

Our forward-thinking sustainable offerings are:

Eco-Conscious Solutions

Elevate Your Brand with: Paper Bags, Merchandise, Gifts, and Exhibition Stands.

Innovative Digital Touch: Explore Digital Business Cards (Tap & Save) for a sustainable networking experience.

Strategic Signage and Outdoor Advertising

Making Your Message Shine: From Static to Dynamic Digital Billboards.

Guiding the Way: Indoor and Outdoor Signage that not only informs but also aligns with your sustainable values.

Eco-Friendly Marketing Collateral

Memorable Brand Impressions: Discover a range of Promotional Items and Corporate Gifts.

Mobile Sustainability: Sustainable Vehicle Branding that drives your message forward.

Tailored for Impact: Bespoke Printing Solutions, including Gazebos, Flags, Posters, Clothing, Lanyards, and more, designed to leave a lasting eco-conscious mark.

We operate our business by the below guiding principle:

People: At the heart of our journey are our suppliers, dedicated teams, mentors, invaluable partners, our cherished community, and our loyal clients. Their unwavering belief in us fuels the Tshepiso Fire that drives our commitment to excellence.

Planet: We are deeply committed to our environment and the sustainability of our planet. Our eco-friendly practices and choices reflect our dedication to minimising our ecological footprint, and we strive to inspire others to do the same.

Purpose: We are dedicated to forging partnerships with forward-thinking brands deeply committed to upholding Sustainable Development Goal 12 – a responsibility we take to heart as Keepers and Champions.

Progress: Our true barometer of success lies in the unwavering support from our clients, a testament to our growth year after year. Together, we eagerly anticipate even greater progress as we join hands in constructing a more sustainable world.

Promise: The word “Tshepiso” derives from the Tswana language, signifying “promise.” We take immense pride in our track record of delivering on our promises, and we are resolute in our commitment to maintain this standard of integrity.

2. When how and why did you start your business?

The business was formerly a signage franchise based in Johannesburg that was owned by my late husband. Life happened, he had to let it go and I joined him in 2019 after he shared the vision that I chose to embrace, and I have never looked back since.

My academic background is in Journalism, Marketing, PR Practice, Project Management to name a few with a professional career that has always been centred around brand storytelling and this is at the core of what we facilitate with our solutions. Taking on this role is both challenging and exciting as it allows me to play a key role in the businesses brand development as well as to be associated with reputable clients that we serve and aspire to be like. 

3. What is your role in the business?

Managing Director – however my role is to serve which means doing whatever it takes. As the business grows, my aim is to transition from managing the business to growing the business and ensuring that we attract more clients and have more on hands on deck to be empowered to have sustainable livelihoods.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

Journalism (UJ), Marketing (WITS PLUS), PR Practice (PRISA), Project Management (UJ), Digital Brand Strategy (VEGA) Generic Management (NQF 5) – Siyanqoba Graduate Program, Sales (Sale Guru).

I have also been part of entrepreneurship development programs (Future Females, Female Foundry, Investec Startup School, Grace Rachel Trust Women Creating Wealth, Standard Bank Basali Development Program).

5. How did you finance your business?

Bootstrapping and reinvesting profits back into the business.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing?

Starting at the gym most days followed by a combination of tasks centred in managing and growing the business. Checking that projects we are managing are on track, attending networking events, responding to new requests and kickstarting the projects, sending quotes/invoices, engaging mentors, attending industry related summits/webinars and installation sites to see a client’s vision come to life. Sometimes doing personal deliveries. Dealing with last minute request from clients.

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

My time at the gym allows me to be in the best frame of mind to tackle whatever I need to tackle but I must say I struggle to keep my phone and MacBook closed because I prefer to give an efficient service at all times. I am working on setting boundaries and doing my best each day. I do make time to just be away from my phone and watch Unicorn Academy with my daughter (5) before her bedtime. I really appreciate our moments and she often reminds me to out my phone away. 

What I also enjoy is reading, I’m currently reading “What to do when you want to give up” – by Allan Raiz and it has given me some really practical tools to improve myself and the business. I encourage everyone to read this book.

I work smart by delegating tasks that are not a priority on my growing the business list. I also don’t go to every engagement I’m invited to.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

My winning attitude and desire to succeed, not being defined by prevailing negative circumstances, being goal driven and knowing that I have the ability and anointing to build a legacy that will far outlive me. I have a futuristic view of how I’d like this business to expand and so I won’t stop until we are there!

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

When I’m reading, driving, speaking with friends or someone new that I meet (I tend to be a chatterbox), attending industry events, sometimes on social media, from my mentors and just being on my own.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

LinkedIn, FB, IG, WhatsApp, we have also been sponsored with some outdoor adverts and vehicle branding.

11. What is next for your business?

Executing on our business expansion plans that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 of responsible production and consumption.  

12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?

Have a business vision that MUST have an economic right to exist, tap into your resources (mentors and social media) Be on the lookout for entrepreneurship programs like the Standard Bank Basali Programme, which are there to give funding opportunities like the pitching competition that we recently participated in, believe in yourself and your abilities to grow your business no matter how intimidating it seems and just because you start off small it doesn’t mean you must think/stay small. Bigger clients will trust you if they see you trust yourself and have a reputation of soaring with the eagles that fly high. 

Unapologetically amplify your business and exude confidence in yourself. For those who are Christian, prioritise placing GOD at the forefront of EVERYTHING! If not, ensure you have a strong foundation because the journey ahead will be exhilarating, albeit bumpy. Embrace the challenges; it’s bound to be a thrilling and liberating ride!

Find out more.

Website: https://tshepisobranding.co.za/  or linktr.ee/TshepisoBrandingSolutions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tshepisobrandingsol/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tshepisobranding/