Women entrepreneurs are taking over the agricultural sector with their smart and innovative business ideas. Here are three women among the standout agripreneurs poised to make waves in 2024.
In 2024, keep an eye on Chantelle de Bruyn, a farmer who is changing the coffee world with her special butternut coffee. Yes, you heard right, butternut coffee. When Covid-19 came in 2020, de Bruyn got creative and turned butternut into a tasty coffee substitute. She works with butternut and exotic pumpkins in Bloemfontein, Free State, making her Butter Cup business all about healthy choices.
De Bruyn’s grandfather, a big coffee fan, got sick, and that pushed her to make a healthier coffee for him. She saw how many people in South Africa get sick a lot, so she wanted to help by offering a healthier alternative to coffee.
Despite initial scepticism, De Bruyn navigated market challenges and got her product into Food Lover’s Market. In a world that wants new ideas and healthier things, de Bruyn’s butternut coffee is a standout example of creativity and making a positive impact on health.
Herbs and retails
Janine Honiball’s journey from growing herbs as a hobby to becoming a successful agripreneur with La Vie Herbs presents a compelling story that makes her a must-watch figure in 2024.
In just four years, she has transformed her herb-growing hobby into a thriving business, La Vie Herbs, demonstrating impressive entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. Her ability to recognise a market need and turn it into a successful venture is noteworthy.
The exclusive supply partnership with major retailers like Shoprite and Checkers highlights Honiball’s success in gaining market access for her products. The collaboration with Shoprite Next Capital further underscores the importance of support systems and partnerships in the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
Beyond the profit realms
Janine’s business model goes beyond profit-making, contributing to the upliftment of women in a community where job opportunities are scarce. Her commitment to social impact aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
La Vie Herbs’ use of mini-tunnels with white shade netting, along with the strategic location next to the N1 highway for transportation, reflects adaptability and innovation in agricultural practices. This highlights her ability to leverage local conditions for optimal production and logistics.
As she continues to navigate the agribusiness landscape, her journey will likely inspire others and contribute to the broader narrative of sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurship.
Mommy’s hair magic
Cherly-Ann Makok’s journey began during pregnancy when the desire for hair relaxation transformed into a groundbreaking business. Faced with the realisation of chemical dangers, Makok pioneered True Texture, a brand focused on safe and organic hair products. She did not want to use chemical hair products, so she started trying things in her kitchen. She used avocados, aloe, and coconut oils, and ended up making her own natural hair products like herbal hair butter cups, growth oil, and a clay wash.
Beyond being a product provider, Makok offers personalised services, conducting hair assessments to enhance clients’ hair health. Despite starting as a side hustle, True Texture thrived, driven by Makok’s dedication and reinvestment of profits.
Her husband Griffin, a key supporter, emphasised the importance of starting, leveraging social media, learning from failure, persevering, and giving relentless effort. True Texture’s success extends nationwide, a testament to Makok’s agripreneurial spirit, making her an inspirational figure in 2024.
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