By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Matšepo Sello, a determined visionary businesswoman from Lesotho, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious 2024 Diamonds Do Good Entrepreneurship Grant in Geneva, Switzerland.
This $5,000 award supports entrepreneurs with financial aid ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, enabling them to scale their businesses and increase their societal impact. Open to applicants from eight countries, including Lesotho, the grant recognizes and supports promising entrepreneurs making a significant impact in their communities.
Sello’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when she applied to the United People Global (UPG) program in Geneva. Enrolled as an entrepreneur, she gained invaluable knowledge and skills that would later define her business success. Reflecting on her experience, she says, “The UPG program was transformative. “I learned key lessons in business strategy, sustainability, and the importance of community impact.” She said.
Her decision to apply for the UPG program was driven by a desire to expand her horizons and bring innovative ideas back to Lesotho. “I wanted to learn from the best and implement those learnings back home,” she explains. The program not only enhanced her entrepreneurial skills but also solidified her commitment to creating positive change in her community.
The application process for the Diamonds Do Good grant was rigorous, but Matšepo was well-prepared. “I focused on showcasing the unique aspects of my business and its potential for social impact.” Her dedication and clear vision set her application apart, earning her the coveted grant.
Matšepo’s entrepreneurial venture, Lehakoe Cosmetic, is a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to social good. “Lehakoe Cosmetics, now in its fourth year, produces and packages a range of skincare and haircare products using herbs and fruit extracts. Our main goal is to provide the best products for healthy and rejuvenated skin and hair.” She explains.
With the grant, she plans to embark on new projects that will further develop her business and benefit her community. “The funding will allow me to scale my operations and launch initiatives I have been dreaming of,” she shares with enthusiasm. “I will use the grant to buy machinery to increase my production capacity and invest in marketing and promoting my brand. This funding will also help me contribute more to Corporate Social Responsibility, especially empowering women with entrepreneurship skills in rural areas where information is scarce.”
The recognition and support from the Diamonds Do Good grant are not just a personal triumph for Matšepo but a significant boost for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lesotho. “This award highlights the potential of Lesotho’s entrepreneurs on an international stage. It shows that with the right support, we can achieve great things,” she emphasizes.
As a female entrepreneur in Lesotho, Matšepo has faced numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and societal expectations. However, her resilience and determination have helped her overcome these obstacles. “As a woman entrepreneur in Lesotho, I have faced challenges stemming from stereotypes that women should stay at home and take care of families. Additionally, there is a prevalent belief that the founder and CEO of a company should be a man. I have overcome these obstacles by profoundly believing in myself and in what I am doing. I refuse to set barriers on my capabilities based on gender, demonstrating that women can lead and succeed in business just as effectively as men.”
Programs like United People Global and grants like Diamonds Do Good play a crucial role in supporting women entrepreneurs in developing countries. “They provide the resources and recognition that can be life-changing for many women,” notes Matšepo. Such initiatives help bridge the gap, offering training, mentorship, and financial support essential for growth.
To aspiring women entrepreneurs in Lesotho, Matšepo offers valuable advice, “Believe in your vision, seek out opportunities for learning, and do not be afraid to take risks. The journey might be challenging, but it is worth it, and to all women entrepreneurs out there, business is not easy. You will always face challenges and setbacks, but what matters most is not giving up. When things get tough, go back to the drawing board and start again. Quitting is never the answer.” stresses Matšepo.
Adding that last year, Lehakoe Cosmetics was selected to attend the Intra African Trade Fair 2023 in Cairo, Egypt, because she never gave up despite the obstacles she encountered on her business journey.
The recognition of Lesotho as eligible for the Diamonds Do Good grant is a significant achievement and an excellent opportunity for local entrepreneurs. They should seize this chance with both hands, as it opens doors to acceleration programs and the possibility of applying for various grants within United People Global and Diamonds Do Good. This opportunity also allows Basotho to network and collaborate with foreign businesses, paving the way for entry into international markets.
With her future plans set on further expanding Lehakoe Cosmetic, Matšepo envisions a thriving business that not only achieves commercial success but also makes a lasting impact on her community. “In the next five to ten years, I see our business growing significantly, creating jobs, and driving positive change in Lesotho,” she shared, adding that she hopes to see Lehakoe Cosmetics as an international brand in the next five to ten years.
Matšepo believes that community and stakeholder support are vital for the success of women entrepreneurs. “We need an ecosystem that encourages and nurtures entrepreneurial talent, especially among women. Together, we can create an environment where women thrive and succeed.”