Mpho excels in male-dominated industry

For many local entrepreneurs, the concept of marketing and branding is a complex business aspect to fathom.

As a result, many businesses become reliant on word of mouth as a means of cutting through the saturated local market.

Branding is a technique intended to help businesses to be quickly identified through their products or business image.

Limpopo born brand specialist Mpho Mathabi strives to assist in building the brands of companies that seek to stand out in the marketing that attracts the attention of potential customers.

Mathabi established a company in Modderfontein called Alpha Production to empower brands by offering tailor-made branding solutions to its customers.

Alpha Production’s marketing and public relations officer Nomfundo Dhlamini said the company achieves that by providing clients with printing, signage and graphic design services.

“I started out as an occupational therapist and I went into the business of branding as a way to survive after losing my husband.

“Left with a 3-week-old baby, I needed something that would help me support my family but that also needed to give me a new and positive outlook on life.

“The world of branding and advertising seemed to be the answer,” said Mathabi.

Dhlamini said Alpha Production started in 2016 and two years later, Mathabi has become a formidable force in the branding industry with clients spanning across South Africa, including brands such as Brics, Mazda, Busamed Hospitals, Department of Housing, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Status and Nestle forming part of her branding portfolio.

“Our business is not just about printing, signage and company branding. It is a solution provider – we look at a client, identify their gaps and find suitable branding solutions for them,” said Mathabi.

The branding industry is highly saturated and that taught Mpho to continue to look for new and innovative ways to do business.

“In her first year of business, Mathabi made a turnover of R1.7-million and her business continues to grow.

“She has had to upscale on equipment and find ways to partner with other businesses to meet the production of large-scale orders due to the lack of technology and equipment in the industry,” said Dhlamini.

Mathabi believes that business changes a person’s personality and therefore she has learned that in order to make it out there, she needs to be a go-getter.

Her advice to young women in the industry is not to overthink it.

According to Mathabi, there is never a good time or enough money to start a business.

“Equip yourself with knowledge and surround yourself with like-minded people and you’re sure to succeed,” said Mathabi.

Dhlamini said the next step for Alpha Production is to gain business in neighboring countries with South Africa as the head office.

It goes without saying that Mpho Mathabi is one to look out for as she takes the business of branding to new frontiers.