Women In Business: Mbali
Women In Business: Mbali
We had a chat with an amazing woman whose story blooms into beauty as she shares her pain, power, conflict, lessons and moments of awareness. Mbali is just getting started and our conversation with her gives you a glimpse into this star's shine.
McKing: So who is Mbali?
Mbali: I'm a mother above everything, I'm a woman. A strong black woman, I'm an entrepreneur because I make something out of nothing, a creative.
McKing: Wow, What got you into business, especially this one?
Mbali: It was my little daughter when she was 2 months old, actually it was a build up from what it was but she gave me the motivation. I had no other means of providing. I got out of a very sad toxic relationship with her father and I had lost myself, I didn't know what I was going to do. Basically when it rained, it poured. I felt like I had nothing to fall back on. The initial concept was chickens and eggs. It was to make money at first. I met an old man and I approached him because I'm a lover of nature, I asked if I could buy a plant...it led to a conversation. He emphasized how I'm broken and I need plants around me, after taking his advice I felt better then I introduced milkshakes, smoothies and fresh juice. It was obviously for a specific market. The demand was high and we made room, went for a farm style design, it was to make room for our customers. That's how it started.
McKing: Very interesting story. Speaking of how you started. What has the reception been like?
Mbali: I had big expectations but it failed. I was hoping for more but it didn't happen, it didn't go accordingly. Maybe somewhere, somehow we got it wrong. It started deteriorating instead of sky rocketing.
McKing: What are some of the challenges that you came across and when you look back, they helped you grow?
Mbali: When you're a start up...it had its positive outcomes and negatives. I'll start with the bad news... negatively when you're a start up, it's not a good idea to launch your business at an established environment like a mall, it's expensive and you're still growing, you end up exhausting the funds. That's one mistake we made but on the good side of things we got exposure.
McKing: I'm glad there was light at the end of the tunnel. If you were to pick anything out of the menu, what would you pick to recommend for whoever wants to try out your products?
Mbali: Food or beverage?
McKing; Both.
Mbali: I'll start with a drink. The Dom Pedro is my favorite but it's alcoholic so I'll also recommend a virgin drink too. It's a drink that originated in South Africa it's vanilla or a chocolate milkshake with a shot of amarula. It's a dessert alcoholic drink.
For the non alcoholic, there's a lot to choose from it all goes with seasons so for the summer I'd suggest the watermelon infused drink, that was the best seller like it's literal watermelons that are frozen, you add watermelon syrup and pomegranate juice.
For the coffee lovers who want to drink coffee but it's too hot, I'd recommend the iced coffee.we use actual ice coffee syrups with a lot of ice, froth the milk, add the flavor
Others prefer vanilla, hazelnut and caramel..so those are my top 3 drinks
And then with the food, bunny chow but they're sleeping on the bunny chow. I'm originally from Durban so everybody knows when you go to KZN it's all about curry and bunny chows. Most of our customers aren't really into spicy food.
Number 2 Sticky Barbeque chicken wings.
3, The angelfish with a side of fresh garden salad, jumbo fries.
McKing: Ooh definitely wanna try those! A lot of people are calling you a game changer. You've had a massive impact on people. What can you say about that?
Mbali: I think it's not enough without the support. Right now you're at the farm house but it's dead and dry. Without the people into it but it's just hearsay. When you don't have people here yet hear great reviews it feels contradictory. It means nothing, it doesn't bring about growth.
McKing: More like someone saying you're amazing but they avoid you? So what kind of energy can people expect from farmhouse besides the food and drink?
Mbali: Yeah...I think it's great energy because they get to have a personal encounter with the person spearheading the farm house they get to lodge complaints and ask other questions.
McKing: Oh yeah, makes the experience more genuine. How would you best describe farmhouse with 5 words?
Mbali: Good Energy, Place For Lovers. For haters. Serene. A place of comfort (soon, under construction)
McKing: I love the nature vibes here.
Mbali: Not what I envisioned but there will be massive renovations, hopefully.
McKing: You've hosted events here, you had established artists. How did that come about?
Mbali: I think the best for Me was when Emtee came in for a milkshake. He wasn't booked for a gig. He graced us with his presence when he could've gone anywhere else. For me that was just the highlight.
With events, we've had some good events but that's not our main route. More of an experiment.
McKing: Woah! That's amazing, what a memorable check in.. What's the way forward for farmhouse? What can we expect?
Mbali: I can't disclose much information at the moment. Until an official public statement has been released. The farmhouse isn't going away anytime soon even if we close our doors just know we're working on something better. This is the beginning, it's a continuous story. Having you here means we're heading in the right direction. We just wanna go completely naked, have an open space for all our customers. Thank you for having us.
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Facebook: Farm_House1360
Mbali is definitely doing something amazing. Farmhouse is a place of good food and drinks, intensely vibey energy plus it attracts famous faces in the public eye. If you're into delicious and a good time check in today!!
Thank You For Joining Us.
Until Next Time.
Facebook: Mzansi Avenue
Twitter: @Mzansi_Avenue
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