Lapmas Holdings: from humble beginnings to household name
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Thursday January 30, 2025 09:33
Established in 2017, the business has grown from humble beginnings to become a household name for its home-brewed gemere, water and ice cube packaging. Behind this thriving venture is founder Laone Pamela Ranthoyakgale, whose entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in family tradition and community values. “My grandmother used to get people asking her to make gemere for them. I asked her to teach me how to do it, and she never refused,” she explains in an interview. “That’s what inspired me, plus go ja boswa mma (upholding family heritage).” It was this inspiration that led her to transform a beloved family recipe into a viable business. What started as a hobby has since evolved into a key supplier in her community. The Kanye-based business specialises in bottled gemere, offering sizes ranging from 250ml to 2 litre containers. For those who prefer to make their own gemere, the company also sells dry ingredient mixes in various volumes.
Additionally, it supplies water and ice cubes, ensuring they cater to a wide range of customer needs. The business primarily serves individuals hosting family gatherings, corporate events, and other occasions. “Our biggest clients are corporate and individuals for events and occasions. This diversity in clientele has allowed us to remain relevant and expand the reach within the local market,” Ranthoyakgale explains. However, there are competitors in the space Lapmas Holdings operates in, but Ranthoyakgale credits effective marketing and excellent customer service for the company’s head above others. “We use advertising and marketing, and it really works wonders for us. Another thing that helps is good service provision that leads to word of mouth from our clients to new clients,” she says. Lapmas Holdings’ commitment to delivering quality products and maintaining strong customer relationships has been instrumental in its growth.
The journey has, however, not been without its challenges. The business owner pin points sourcing affordable supplies as one of the biggest obstacles she encounters. “Where we currently operate, we don’t have enough suppliers. The ones we have are too expensive, and for that, we have to travel to Gaborone just to get the same service. Plus, everything is too expensive, and that forces us to hike prices, and that’s when clients cry about the pricing,” Ranthoyakgale says. She adds that this supply chain issue underscores the difficulties of running a small business in a region with limited resources. Despite these challenges, Lapmas Holdings remains self-funded. Ranthoyakgale has relied on her resourcefulness and determination to keep the business afloat without external investment. This independence is a point of pride and speaks to the resilience and commitment that have driven the company’s growth. Looking ahead, Lapmas Holdings is preparing to expand its offerings. “At this moment, we have ideas that we are looking into, which will soon be part of the Lapmas Holdings family. We will soon be in the streets introducing the new services to our clients,” she reveals.
he success of Lapmas Holdings is a testament to the power of tradition and entrepreneurship. By combining a family recipe with modern business strategies, Ranthoyakgale has built a company that not only serves her community but also honours her roots. As the business continues to grow, Lapmas Holdings remains focused on quality and customer satisfaction. While challenges such as high supplier costs persist, Ranthoyakgale’s ability to navigate these difficulties positions the company for ongoing success.