“When one door closes another opens.”
This old saying, coined by the Canadian-American inventor Alexander Graham Bell, could be the major driving force behind Keikantse Moje’s persistence and unyielding determination as an entrepreneur.
Kekantse, managing director of Lesmar Group, is a South African entrepreneur who refused to throw in the towel as she watched her numerous business ventures failing to take off. In a remarkable turn of events, she eventually succeeded after following her true passion.
“I started my entrepreneurial journey in the beauty industry, shipping hair from China and running stores. I later got into the fuel business, holding a wholesale license in petroleum,” Keikanse says.
“When that did not work out, I used money from my hair business to buy a small plot and began farming, growing spinach for local shops and restaurants and selling eggs. My passion for gardening blossomed as I realized how much I loved it, and that is how Lesmar Group began,” she explains.
Creating Beautiful Spaces
Her love for gardening helped Keikantse rediscover her passion for creating beautiful spaces and this saw her venturing into the South African landscaping design industry.
Doing what she loves has helped her to not only excel in her entrepreneurship journey but to also provide creative and modern design solutions and suggestions to her growing list of clients.
“My inspiration to start my business came from my love for creating beautiful spaces. I love the peace of sitting in a garden, having afternoon tea, walking barefoot on freshly mowed grass, and the smell of flowers and fresh compost after a rainy day. It is the beauty of those moments that drove me to pursue landscaping,” Keikantse explains.
Lesmar Group specializes in landscaping and design. They have successfully filled the gap in the market for professional, well-informed landscape designers.
While they are based in the Klerskdorp area of the North West Province, Lesmar serves clients from all corners of South Africa with a small but dedicated team of professional and highly talented members.
Keeping up With Technology
Keikantse was born and raised in Klerksdorp, a small South African town in the North West Province.
While she did not manage to complete a financial accounting diploma she had enrolled to study, she took various business management short courses and gained qualifications in agriculture, including plant plantation, food and meat production, horticulture and design.
As the leader of Lesmar Group, Keikantse has realized the need to keep up with an ever-changing business landscape that requires entrepreneurs to always be abreast of the latest technology.
“The business landscape has evolved greatly, especially with technological advances. Artificial Intelligence has made tasks like plant identification and landscape design easier. Tools that allow clients to visualize designs in 3D have made a huge impact. Staying updated on these technologies helps us remain competitive and meet clients’ evolving needs,” says Keikantse.
From Challenges to Successes
As an entrepreneur, Keikantse has faced numerous challenges. Throughout her most significant obstacles, however, she has emerged with many lessons that have contributed to the many successes she has also enjoyed.
“One of the biggest challenges was struggling breaking into an industry where you are not known but your work must speak for itself. I learned the importance of persistence, but more crucially, the need to employ the right people and also networking.
“I wish I had realized earlier how important it is to hire experienced individuals. The wrong hire can set you back significantly, so it is essential to have the right team in place. Also taking your business wherever you go is so important.
“I take great pride in projects where we have transformed public spaces, particularly schools and small towns. These projects not only create jobs in local communities but also create lasting beauty and function for the communities we serve. This is my greatest success. The impact goes beyond just the financial rewards – it is about creating spaces that people love.”
Pushing Beyond Boundaries
Taking a leaf from her own experiences, Keikantse advises emerging entrepreneurs to focus on what they are passionate about as she believes that following their heart is likely to enhance their prospects of making a breakthrough.
“My advice to others is for them to start small, stay focused, and be persistent. Entrepreneurship is hard, but if you love what you do, it is worth it. Surround yourself with the right people, learn as much as you can, and do not be afraid to ask for help or advice when needed,” Keikantse says.
As she continues on her entrepreneurship journey, Keikantse is excited about the bright future ahead and specifically how it is likely to translate into more business opportunities.
“I am particularly excited about the role AI plays in landscaping. The ability to visualize designs in 3D and use technology to identify plants has made our work more efficient.
“I am also interested in sustainable farming methods that can be integrated into landscaping designs. We are always working on new projects and expanding our services, but for now, my focus is on enhancing the designs we offer to our clients,” says Keikantse.
