Woman's homemade dishwashing liquid makes it onto the shelves

Maemu is a young entrepreneur from a small village called Ha Ravele in the Limpopo. The 22-year-old did not let the struggles of growing up in a village stop her from achieving success.

At age 20, Maemu started her own digital marketing agency ‘Fearless Trendz’ to help businesses in rural areas thrive.

A few years later, the Business Management graduate launched her own dishwashing liquid ‘Spotless’ which is now sold in retail stores in Limpopo and Gauteng.

Tell us a bit about your upbringing?

I was raised by an amazing single mother who worked tirelessly to make sure my three brothers and I were always well and happy. I absolutely love my family.  

What birthed your passion for entrepreneurship?

 My grandmother is a survival entrepreneur and she has been for as long as I can remember, I believe that's who I get it from.  

Briefly tell us about your first business, the digital marketing agency ‘Fearless Trendz’?

While I was staying in Limpopo, I realised that small businesses in rural areas were not being targeted by big digital agencies. I believe that those are the ones who are in desperate need of affordable marketing solutions as they cannot afford traditional marketing methods. So, I decided to start ‘Fearless Trendz’, a digital agency which catered specifically for those small businesses.  

How did the transition from owning a digital marketing agency to creating your own dishwashing liquid come about?

I wanted to do something different and in a conversation with my mother, she advised me to start selling cleaning products. My mother inspired the dishwashing liquid idea. 

How did you feel when you saw your dishwashing liquid on the shelves?

I was very excited. It's the most exciting thing that can happen to a manufacturer. It's all we dream of. 

Apart from 'Save Rite', are there any other stores that are selling ' Spotless'? 

We are in 7 different retail stores in the Pretoria area.

How can people in provinces other than Limpopo and Gauteng buy your product? 

People can place orders. A 750ml bottle cots R20. 

What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to follow in your footsteps?

 I think staying true to yourself and constantly reminding yourself about who you are and what your purpose is goes a long way. I am rooted in my purpose in God and whatever I do has to give praise to the Lord, that and hard work is honestly what keeps me going. Purpose and hard work go a long way.

 What is on your bucket list?

Distribute (Spotless) nationally, adding more products to the brand line and creating jobs!

READ: Female farmer works tirelessly to supply SA’s honey demand