Lifestyle profile – Mikie Monoketsi
Kimberley-born MIKIE MONOKETSI, 38, started her own spice range, Mama’s Spice.
After her divorce, Mikie Monoketsi wanted to do things that would take her mind off the stress. Fitness became her escape.
“While at the gym, I overheard two women talking about someone who owned a spice company. I approached them to find out more about it and when I eventually met the lady in question, she was fascinated with my ideas,” says Mikie.
A few months later, she joined the spice company and became the face of the product; she also became an equal business partner. “Their aim was to target the township market, which is where I grew up. I had kept my contacts from the previous company I worked for, and I’m also active on social media, so I could tap into that market.”
A year later, Mikie parted ways with the spice group. “But I was still able to access the spices and I continued to sell them on my own. In 2012, I registered my business, Mama Spices.”
Soon after that, Mikie experimented with different tea mixes that can detox and relieve abdominal bloating. She launched the now popular Flat Stomach Tea in October 2015. “I went to a laboratory and worked with food technologies until I got the right consistency and then launched the Flat Stomach Tea. Everything is natural and contains no preservatives or colourants. What’s crucial is using the correct amount of herbs.”
Now Mikie is acting as a distributor of the Flat Stomach Tea. “I hire other people to buy and sell for me; the outcome is great because they’re committed to promoting the brand.
“Most of my suppliers use social media to advertise and to grow the business.”
Mikie says from the Flat Stomach Tea she was able to add new products to the range. “I have teamed up with a company that makes shakes. There are different flavours,” she adds.
“I’ve received great reviews so far about the products. They’re well received in the local market and across borders too.
“One morning I experimented with different ingredients to add to my oats. I posted the result on Facebook and started getting requests. The future looks bright for Mama Spices. Here’s to affordable wellness!”