12 Jun 2018

Many things can inspire an individual to flourish in life. For Mothusi Lechuti, it was passion for fine arts, craft arts and design which inspired him.

The love for art in general and design motivated him to open his own business in Tloung ward in Kanye along Sejelo police station road. His business comprises t-shirt printing, coffee mug printing, copy shop and graphic design.

In an interview with BOPA, the passionate artist narrated that his love for art and design developed at a tender age, adding that art is his stepping stone to greater heights and his determination and hard work has made him to nurture his talent as an artist and a graphic designer.

The 43- year artist who originates in Kanye at Mathubapula ward said he worked as a public servant before he started his business in 2016, noting that he resigned from work because he wanted to explore his talent under no pressure.

‘It was not easy to start.  I started off asking myself where will I get the start-up capital and I sold my car and buy other equipment for the business.

I realised that resigning was the best option for me because I was not prepared to serve for the public and run my business at the same time. I decided to choose running my own business because I was optimistic that it will sustain me in future,” he said.

According to Lechuti, running a business is not simple; it is full of challenges that need an individual to be there for it to flourish. It needs care and attention for it to attract more clients.

“I worked so hard to be where I am today,” adding that he owns an Agent license and copy shop license.

The little that he earned, Mr Lechuti said he used it to buy other office equipment and take care of his family.

Despite his success, Mr Lechuti cited high rentals, lack of transportation and machinery as his main challenges, emphasising that the main concern was lack of A3 printing machine, photo copying machine and t-shirt and coffee mug printing machine.

Even though he does not have a printing machine, he uses stencil and screen printing, adding that being innovative and creative are the best aspects in his business as his creativity attracts more clientele.

Mr Lechuti started participating in Presidential competition in 2013, where he scooped position one at regional level and walked away with P3 000 while in 2017, he also took position one and three respectively and walk away with P4 000.

He proceeded to the national level, where he scooped position two and walked away with P9 000.

He explained that he was preparing for the Presidential competitions to be held in July, this year. Lechuti is very positive that he will make it because he believes in himself.

However, his plan is to see his business growing big and hiring many youth as most of them are jobless.

He encouraged youth to use their talent to enhance their lives, emphasising that passion, determination and hard work do pay. ENDS