Kholofelo Kekana has been an avid lover of all things flowers and plants since she was a young girl.
Born in Mafikeng, North West and raised in Evaton she currently works in Midrand. She discovered her love for flowers at the tender age of five. This love was strengthened by living on a farm where she was exposed to sunflowers during her upbringing. Kekana’s favourite thing on the farm was taking strolls in the fields full of sunflowers, a garden packed with daisies, roses and all kinds of greenery.
Kekakana (33) says she worked hard to be where she is today including quitting her senior business analyst job to pursue her entrepreneurship journey.
She now owns an online shop, Honey and Ginger Floral Designs – a floral studio that specialises in genuine floral arrangements and bouquets. “I later discovered my passion for floristry and event organising when I was a big part of my own wedding planning. I decided to take the leap of faith, quit my job as my inner creative self would not quieten down. I the owner of Chez Charlene to take me under her wings and show me the tricks and trades of the business. I also went on to complete a certificate in floral designing and wedding planning at SA Wedding School,” said Kekana.
Kekana recalls when her mom used to plant flowers and was an avid lover to the point she talks to her plants and has names for all of them.
“Business is not a shortcut to the good life. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. I’ve had multiple breakdowns, burnouts, anxiety attacks and moments where I did not want to get out of bed but passion keeps me going. For the longest time, I ran my business part-time while I was fully employed.”
Kekana said that in the coming years, she would love to see her business competing with other flower and gift shops but still offering service to their niche market. “We would like to service South Africa and later export indigenous flowers to other countries,” she concluded.
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