HIM Graduate Katleho Tsoku: In the Pursuit of Bliss

Today, Hotel Institute Montreux alumni, Katelho has turned 30. She carries with her an entrepreneurial badge of honour as her very first start up has come to an end. But from this experience, her future has sharpened focus and her determined pursuit of bliss is once again within her reach.

Here is her story…

Where did you find your inspiration to become an entrepreneur?
After completing my Honours BBA Degree in Hospitality and Business Management from Hotel Institute Montreux, I moved back to South Africa after living abroad for 10 years. I chose to get on the ground experience in Johannesburg and accepted two different roles with major hotels in the city. However working for large brands only reaffirmed how much I didn’t fit in the corporate mold. I remember feeling very down and picked up a magazine called Destiny Magazine focused on young South African businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

“Even today I get goose bumps when I think about reading the article titled "The Secret to Life Is To Follow Your Bliss". I was completely inspired and knew immediately that I would not find my bliss doing what I was doing and put in my resignation letter the next day.”

What were the steps you took to follow your dream?
Since it was Bliss that was in pursuit of, I focused my energy into a business plan and came out with a restaurant concept titled Bliss. Once my business plan was in place however, I was faced with the harsh realities of getting a business off the ground. As I was only 25 at the time I was seen as too much of an investment risk by banks and could not get start up capital. So I turned to my Mother and with her emotional and financial backing, I opened the doors to Bliss Tapas and Cocktail bar in October 2010… one of the proudest moments of my life.

And did you find your Bliss?
I quickly discovered that it definitely was NOT all bliss. Although we were growing, it was at an unsustainable pace. After 2.5 years I had to close the doors and admit my first entrepreneurial failure.

How did your networks respond to your restaurant closing?
Within the entrepreneurial community I discovered that this failure could actually be worn as a badge of honour.

“When I told my story to other entrepreneurs (often in a state of despair), there first response was congratulations! Almost every entrepreneur has at least 1 failed business under their belts before they see success.”

What was your biggest takeaway lesson?
When I was running Bliss I received a lot of emails from young females interested in pursuing their own projects and I found myself whisked into a wonderful and vibrant community that I wanted to make a difference in. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could make a difference in other female entrepreneurs lives by helping them learn from my own failed business.

“Today, I see Bliss as the stepping-stone towards discovery of what I was meant to do with my future.”

How did your network open doors for you?
Through my network I came across Spark International, an organization that supports young women running social enterprises. I applied and was accepted for the intense accelerator program, which allowed me to explore many different ideas that were marinating in my head. After working closely with the two founders, they surprised me by offering me the role of CEO for the South Africa Office.

What do you do as the CEO of Sparks South Africa?
The South African office only recently opened when I started the position. The best part of the role is that I am treated as an entrepreneur. The founders gave me the resources I need and the freedom to run. I knew early on that this was the right organization for me and I am thrilled for the challenges ahead.

“I focus my professional energy on helping young female entrepreneurs launch ventures that have a lasting impact on those around them.”

Who do you look to for inspiration?
My Mother – she is the epitome of strength to me. She has buried a child and a husband but she still maintains her best and continues to thrive.

What advice would you give to your 25-year old self and other young HIM students?
Trust the process, as everything really does unfold the way it is meant to be.

Now that you are 30, how do you feel?
I can truly say that I am grateful for the challenges that I have gone through. My 20s were about discovery and preparation and after going through them I am even more excited about what life in my 30s will bring. If at 25 I could dream up a boutique restaurant concept surely at 35 life will prove to be even more amazing!

“I am without a doubt still in pursuit of my Bliss but the difference today is that I can better articulate what that means for me.”