Meet 29-year-old Mmabatho Mtimkulu, the owner of local produce store Selina’s Farm Fresh in Parkhurst. Named after her grandmother, whom she was inspired by, Mmabatho wanted the store gives small-scale producers and farmers access to a wider market.
She wants to change the food space and believes through stores like hers we will begin to see a shift in the agricultural space. Although she comes from a banking and insurance background, her passion lies in healthy living and growing brands.
The business launched in October 2017 and in addition to selling fresh produce, also hosts cooking classes and organic food workshops. Mmabatho says she has formed a strong sisterhood with many of her black female suppliers and delights in helping them grow their brands.
She says some of her regular customers, whom themselves have a background in business, are among her biggest supporters and mentors.
The highlight has been forming a sisterhood with a lot of my black female suppliers and growing the brands together through activations and social media.
Mmabatho wants to see Selina’s Farm Fresh establish itself as the home of South Africa’s favourite brands. By supporting businesses such as Setsong Tea or Basotho Heart ginger beer, Selina’s Farm Fresh hopes to create more sustainable jobs back in the small towns where it all began.
Stop by Selina’s Farm Fresh on 56 on 6th Street in Parkhurst and discover a variety of local brands and fresh produce on offer. We love your work Mmabatho, keep pushing we’re rooting for your success.
