Mbewu helps you shop with purpose from real farmers
Mbewu meaning ‘a seed’ in IsiZulu is a platform that allows African small-scale farmers and agri-businesses to sell directly to their potential clients.
Founded by Kearabilwe Charmaine Monama, Mbewu invests a lot of time in vetting incredible small-batch producers so they can bring customers the best.
Monama says, “I’ve always been curious about the healing power of food and I was particularly interested in revisiting indigenous African cuisine that has sustained the generations before me. My great-grandparents were farmers and I am intent on continuing their legacy.”
She adds that she wanted to merge business/making a profit with creating meaningful social impact. This was what got her into entrepreneurship. “I achieve this by giving small-scale farmers and agri-businesses a marketplace to sell their beautiful products. I also get to share my passion for the healing power of food with consumers who buy our products,” adds Monama
Furthermore, small-batch products get discovered and they provide nutrient-dense produce from small-scale farmers who practice sustainable farming.
As viable as the business model is, it does have its challenges. Monama explains that capital is the biggest challenge for any small business owner – capital to stay afloat, to scale, and to hire talented human resources.
From one entrepreneur to another
When asked what advice she would give aspiring entrepreneurs, Monama says never wait for perfect. “Whatever idea you have, just launch and learn forward. There’s no such thing as the perfect product or idea. You must be willing to learn from and adapt to the market demands as you go,” she emphasises.
According to Monama, the formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur is CONSISTENCY! “It’s about staying focused on the vision and purpose and executing diligently.”
For Monama, her favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is when her farmers and agri-processors tell her that their sales are growing. Even more, when her customers share their stories of changed eating habits and improved health.
