Margaret Motsoene’s journey to establishing her own business, Throneroom Living & Projects, where she is not only self-sustaining, but able to provide gainful employment to other members of her community began in 2012, when the Local Economic Department (LED) in partnership with the Hermanus Business Chamber, hosted a Women’s Day event. It was here that Margaret was first exposed to the South African Women’s Entrepreneurial Network (SAWEN) and the Cape Crafter’s Design Institute (CCDI), critical stakeholders that seek to develop small businesses.
Later in 2013, the LED Department once again formed a collaboration with the Hermanus Business Chamber to launch the Service Excellence Campaign. Soon after, the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) Customer Care training followed. This training was geared towards teaching entrepreneurs how to grow their businesses. It further focused more on tourism and how to have an impact in the tourism field. Modules such as ‘how to market to target customers’, ‘develop the business’, ‘developing the attitude to understand yourself as an entrepreneur and to conscientise yourself with regards to tourism’ were also incorporated.
As a keen environmental activist Margarent sought to create green products, but was a bit weary of how it would be received by the market. The CATHSSETA training laid a good foundation for her business idea. Margaret fostered a relationship with CCDI and regularly attended its courses which tended to focus more on the artistic aspect. She felt the organisation really understood her vision and with their help was able to develop her craft, logo and marketing. Even to the point that she could develop her own business card, logo and letterhead. Her products were also exhibited at the CCDI Pop-up show that they usually host in Hermanus during the Whale Festival period.
Hermanus Business Chamber provided further assistance on developing the business side of her craft. According to Margaret this really helped her to unpack the idea from a global perspective. With all of these fundamentals in place, Margaret’s business began to grow and she was able to deal much more confidently and effectively with clients. As a qualified and practicing beautician, she has since developed customized beauty products and soaps to alleviate various skin ailments.
Other events and courses offered by the LED & Tourism Departments, namely Heritage Supplier Market Day, Entrepreneur Week and the Female Entrepreneurial Cocktail event have afforded her the opportunities and platforms from which to display and get more market exposure for her up-cycled paper gifting and products. With the regular interaction and guidance received from the aforementioned departments, Margaret has learned which avenues will allow her optimum exposure. She consequently displays her products at the Hemel & Aarde Stall, as well as at the shark cage diving venue in Gansbaai. Her business is also listed on the Tourism database.
Throneroom Living & Projects has garnered notable recognition by being nominated for the prestigious Lilizela Awards in the Roots and Culture category. Participation in this competition has served as a worthy platform for marketing the business. As a result business has flourished, and to keep ahead of the orders Margaret has trained a number of ladies in Zwelihle to assist with the production of the products.
Margaret’s vision includes having her own gallery where everything she makes will be displayed. Her aim is to create environmental awareness by creating products that are exclusively green. The on-going quest remains that of providing job creation and training people to see how materials can be used and reused to make completely new, yet environmentally friendly products.
To this end, Margaret makes use of natural resources which are free and low in cost. For example the elements of rain, water and sunlight are incorporated into the production process. For her this is a lifestyle choice and she firmly believes that by educating poorer communities, who are the most cash-strapped, they will benefit more from understanding the value behind adopting the principles of conserving natural resources such as water harvesting etc. Throneroom Living & Projects recently exhibited its wares at the inaugural Cape Whale Coast Mini-Indaba that was held at the Marine Hotel in Hermanus. This networking opportunity that saw a number of tour operators gathering has resulted in an influx of orders, further adding to the company’s growing bottom line and continued success.
Margaret Motsoene, is indeed a woman of substance – she is a glowing example to others that by effectively using opportunities presented and applying oneself accordingly, there is no limit to what can be achieved. For more information on Throneroom Living & Projects you can contact Margaret Motsoene on email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or cell numbers 082 695 4605 / 072 690 7928.