A tropical taste with local flair
Ntobeko Mndebele, a third-year part-time law student is the founder of Garland Cocktails that specialises in and serves fruit cocktails, freshly squeezed juice, platters and skewers at events.
Her business idea was inspired by her curiosity and, today, 25-year-old Ntobeko Mndebele’s cocktail-mixing business is booming.
The third-year part-time law student is the founder of Garland Cocktails that specialises in and serves fruit cocktails, freshly squeezed juice, platters and skewers at events. “What is more exciting about my service, is that I bring you the colourful experience in the comfort of your home or at your preferred location.”
She admitted she did not think the idea of cutting pineapples, coconuts and watermelons in half and creating her own exotic drinks would be in demand.
“One day I was at home and I saw a pineapple in the fridge. I thought to myself, what can I do with it besides cutting it into slices? I experimented with a few ingredients and gave it to my family to taste, and they loved it. My husband, who is also in the events industry, encouraged me to start the business and in December I got my first local gig.”
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Mndebele said after people saw her work during the festive season, she has been getting bookings for events in and out of the province. “Starting a business is not child’s play, but it is easier when you know what you are good at, and make the best of your abilities.
I have seen how people enjoy different kinds of colourful drinks, which has motivated me to start working on having my own cocktail brand,” she said.
With her business doing well, she is able to settle household bills, even though she runs at a loss when attendance is poor at some events. However, she is not ready to give up, but wants to soldier on and take it one colourful drink at a time.
