By Ndumiso Tshuma
Nolwazi Mpofu, a small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneur, is making waves in the market with her new product, a foam bath called Purple Plum Basket.
Mpofu recalls that her entrepreneurial spirit emerged during her childhood when she started selling sweets and biscuits to her classmates at a young age.
“I started selling sweets and biscuits at Mvuthu Secondary School in 2000. The best way to punish me was to stop me from selling because I enjoyed it—it was a way to keep me focused,” said Mpofu.
However, Mpofu faced a significant setback later in life when she lost her job selling insurance and assurance policies.
“I struggled to find another job, so I had to sit down and think of ways to make a living. The only option I saw was buying and selling. This led me to start selling second-hand clothing at the market, but I found the work unfulfilling,” she said.
Seeking new challenges, Mpofu explored various opportunities, including working in her aunt’s tuckshop. She later rented a space in a salon where she sold perfumes, body lotions, and hair accessories.
“Growth was slow at the salon, which pushed me to explore other avenues. After experimenting with buying and selling fish, I transitioned to a tomato business—this eventually led to the birth of Purple Plum Basket,” she explained.
Mpofu shared that she would decorate her tomato baskets with purple and plum-colored accents, which resonated with customers.
“I then started selling scones and built a loyal customer base in banks and trading outlets. In 2019, inspired by a friend, I registered my company. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I pivoted to supplying sweet potatoes and delivering them to customers’ homes. This significantly expanded my customer base,” she said.
Despite the challenges, including financial setbacks, Mpofu remained determined to succeed.
“I had to make ends meet in tough circumstances. I shifted my focus to selling health and cleaning products. Encouraged by customer feedback, I started developing my own foam bath, which was well-received. When you listen to your customers, they tell you what they want—and when you trust in God, you learn invaluable lessons. As a result, Purple Plum Basket has now expanded to include bath salts and other body care products under the Silka Luxe brand,” Mpofu said.
For inquiries, you can contact Nolwazi Mpofu at +263 78 503 1482.