Owner of Spicyjar tells a saucy story
Khathu told CV that the challenges she faces are mostly customers who think spicy means extra spicy, but she quickly informs them of her offering.
LIMPOPO – Armed with a love and passion for tasty and yummy sauce, and needing to break boundaries, Khathu Nevhutalu started a sauce called Spicyjar.
The 32-year-old from Shayandima Township outside Thohoyandou in the Vhembe district offers a variety of sauces.
She said she has always been a business person, and remembers the time she and her friends decided that they should start cleaning windows for pocket money.
“As I was growing up I encountered many challenges but for some reason, I stayed positive and thrived until I completed my certificate in vegetable production, funded by NYDA for my poultry farming.
“Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I ended up losing my business but that didn’t stop me. I got up, dusted myself off and went to Johannesburg in search of greener pastures. I was accepted for a women in logistics programme under Trucklogix and completed my code 14,” said Nevhutalu.
She eventually came home and started a clothing business that she still runs.
“But in December 2023 I thought, why not start a product that not only is essential but also makes your kitchen complete? That product is a sauce that is called Spicyjar. Spicyjar comes in different varieties, hot, mild, and sweet. It’s a combination of organic herbs and chillies. One thing is that the sauce not only caters to spicy consumers but to non-spicy too, which is under LA sauce.”
She told CV that the challenges she faces are mostly customers who think spicy means extra spicy, but she quickly informs them of her offering.
“Having my own product means reducing unemployment and skill development. I want to inspire others. My secret to success is consistency and perseverance. I am passionate and I love making sauce. The journey has been a mix of all types of feelings, but what matters is that I am still here doing it,” she said.
