By Kefiloe Kajane
Insatiable curiosity led Refiloe Pokane to found a venture called Bobatsi Products, a business that specialises in producing skin jelly out of the extract of a locally available herb, stinging nettle (bobatsi).
Pokane said the idea came to her when she was unemployed. At the time she lived with her mother who would always encourage her to drink and eat the plant “because of its health benefits.”
She said she was curious about the health benefits the plant could have and set about conducting her own research. Once she found out, she experimented and gave it to her friends and next of kin.
Pokane further said it took her some time to develop and produce the jelly. But her patience paid out when her work was successful.
She added that the first Bobatsi Jelly she made and gave to friends was a hit as they were all impressed and wanted more. They were willing to buy it.
She indicated that through word of mouth and recommendations from friends, people started to buy but would always wonder if the plant did not sting.
“When I started it was really not about the money but to feed my curiosity. This product helps mostly on people who have eczema and it generates body heat. And many people who are using it will give testimony that the plant is healthier.
“The reception of the product from Basotho has been amazing. Our product is unscented and very strong depending on the problem the client has. After using that 250ml tub, you will see mazing results. It has grown beyond my imagination because when I started, I was not using any form of marketing but a word of mouth,” she said.
She stated that what motivated her to push harder for her production to grow is when she realized how many customers loved Bobatsi products.
She is adamant that the product’s benefits were being told by her clients who have now fallen in love with the plant, adding that she is highly motivated by the demand of the items.
“Our products are available at a few local stores. We also supply to customers who want to sell so we have a package for stock price as well. Bobatsi products are very different to an ordinary petroleum jelly. They are highly effective.
“Like any other businesses, we have challenges that our people are not so well informed about the benefits of Bobatsi. You will find that shop owners will not allow your products because they do not know about its health benefits,” she said.
Bobatsi products can be found on Facebook under the same name or on the number +266 531 17967.
