By Neo Kolane
In her quest to empower other women, enterprising beauty queen ‘Mamahlape Matsoso has decided to broaden the outreach of her brand MAMI by promoting sisterhood, which sees her hosting her first networking session for women, and a small business expo called ‘Brunch with MAMI’, on Saturday.
MAMI is a sleepwear, lingerie and cosmetics brand by the charismatic Miss World Lesotho 2013, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus, and food security advocate.
MAMI was founded to remind women to be unapologetic about who they are and what they stand for; to remind women of their beauty and spark some confidence in their lives, through natural skincare products, sleepwear and lingerie.
In an interview with theReporter, ‘Mamahlape explained that the brunch is a networking session over brunch where women support each other and share experiences. It offers an opportunity to take part in life changing conversations that could inspire and encourage them to take the next step in their lives.
She pointed out that women need to be reminded to come out of their cocoon in order to shine; they do not need to be afraid to grad their space and dominate.
“Very often, women are known to attack each other instead of wishing each other well. Brunch with MAMI aims to change that narrative and foster everlasting partnerships. I understand the struggles and hassles of building a business as a young Black woman.
“Therefore, the brunch also serves as a small business expo, where each business is given a chance to showcase its goods and/or services, and have a chance to interact with potential clients.
“Now imagine this, you are looking all sorts of gorgeous and feeling at home in a beautiful Sandton garden in Johannesburg. You are surrounded by like-minded women, academics, CEOs, women climbing the corporate ladder against all odds; business owners and activists…you are sipping on a mimosa and enjoying conversations and adding some input, because you too are a change maker,” ‘Mamahlape enthused.
The day will start with some welcome drinks and registration, and sitting as per names on the tables. A short welcome note from the host, and an ice breaker for the guests.
“Everyone wants to know what brings them to the brunch, so there will be a short address from the founder, ‘Mamahlape Matsoso, then a few words from our speaker for the day, Pheladi Chiloane about stepping into power as a young woman.
“Thereafter the platform will be open for small businesses to take a spot at their show tables and share some insight about their businesses. These events should have given everyone some confidence to be able to network over the food that will be provided,” she concluded
