In the heart of Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, a vibrant home-run business is making waves in the world of catering, décor, and gourmet chilli sauces. Thyme 2 Delight, founded in 2018 by Nteboheng Mmono, is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community empowerment.
“I was retrenched from my marketing job and decided to start selling whatever I could sell,” recalls Mmono. “I registered the business in 2018.”
Initially offering catering and décor services, Mmono’s food often featured her homemade chilli sauces. The sauces quickly became a favourite among clients, sparking an unexpected business opportunity.
“Come COVID-19, my business struggled, but because I have a passion for food, I always tried to come up with different recipes in the kitchen. That was how I started making a chilli sauce for my family... I started doing more research, checking how receptive people would be to hot sauces. That was how it all started and I haven’t looked back ever since.”
Today, Thyme 2 Delight boasts a growing product range of six chilli sauces and two spice seasonings. The sauces include: Hot Chilli, Extra Hot, Lemon and Herb, Creamy Jalapeño, Pineapple Habanero, and Sweet Chilli. The spice seasonings cater to chicken and beef lovers.
“My components are derived from small local female farmers, which in turn benefits them by providing jobs… My products are also fresh, with no artificial colours or preservatives.”
Despite the challenges of running a business solo, Mmono remains undeterred.
“When you start a business, you handle everything... It is very challenging. But it is exciting at the same time because you are doing what you love.”
While she operates primarily from her home kitchen, she occasionally gets assistance with processing large orders.
Mmono attributes part of her growth to support from institutions such as the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), the Innovation Hub, and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
Her products are currently stocked at independent supermarkets and butcheries in and around Vanderbijlpark.
“My ultimate goal is to see my products available at leading retail shelves across the country. What I have realised is that most retailers don’t sell locally manufactured sauces. It is very important for us as South Africans to ensure that we consume locally produced products. That will ensure job creation and empower South African entrepreneurs like myself,” she concluded.
Follow the company on Facebook at Thyme 2 Delight
(SEFDA) can be reached on www.sedfa.org.za
For more information about GDARD visit www.gauteng.gov.za
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