How Mamello Shomolakgosi Built Flavours By Favour into a Culinary Force
How Mamello Shomolakgosi Built Flavours By Favour into a Culinary Force. Mamello Shomolakgosi has proven that age is no barrier to building something meaningful from passion and persistence. Hailing from Bloemfontein in the Free State, Mamello is the founder of Flavours By Favour, a thriving culinary brand that has become known for its flavorful dishes, professionalism, and community-driven purpose. Her journey, rooted in humble beginnings and propelled by courage, offers powerful lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of turning their passion into a business.
The Early Spark: From a Home Kitchen to Culinary School
Mamello’s love for food began when she was only nine years old, helping her mother and aunt cook family meals. What started as a childhood hobby soon became a calling. In 2018, she joined her mother’s catering business, where she learned the foundations of customer service, kitchen management, and the importance of consistency.
A year later, her growing passion led her to enroll at the Culinary and Hospitality Academy to formally study the art of food. However, financial challenges cut her studies short after just one year. For many, that could have been the end of the dream but for Mamello, it was just the beginning of a new path.
Finding Purpose Through Adversity
After leaving culinary school, Mamello landed a job at one of Bloemfontein’s most prestigious restaurants. It was there that she sharpened her skills and learned the discipline required in the high-pressure environment of professional kitchens. But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she, like many in the hospitality sector, suddenly found herself unemployed.
Instead of giving up, she decided to create her own opportunity. Armed with her culinary skills, creativity, and determination, Mamello launched Flavours By Favour, a food brand built on quality, presentation, and a personal touch that reflects her passion for cooking.
Her business model was simple but strategic. Flavours By Favour operates on two main fronts:
- Catering services for corporate and private events
- Takeaway and delivery services for individuals craving homemade gourmet meals
This dual approach not only diversified her income streams but also allowed her to serve a broader market, from large events to everyday customers.
Building a Brand Through Quality and Connection
Flavours By Favour quickly became a recognized name in Bloemfontein’s culinary scene. What set Mamello apart was her focus on authenticity and customer experience. Every dish is prepared with precision, and her team’s commitment to punctuality and presentation has earned them repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
Her growing reputation led to remarkable opportunities. She has catered for major events such as The Blackdoor Experience, Miss Free State, Sunset Groove, and numerous weddings and corporate functions. These milestones not only boosted her brand’s visibility but also demonstrated her ability to handle large-scale projects with professionalism.
Mamello’s success is not just a reflection of her talent but also her ability to leverage relationships and consistency in building a trusted brand.
Giving Back Through the Favour Foundation
Beyond her business success, Mamello’s heart for community is what truly defines her. She founded the Favour Foundation, a charitable initiative that donates food and clothing to those in need. Through the foundation, she continues to extend her purpose beyond profit, using her skills and platform to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Her dream is to expand both her business and foundation to develop and mentor future chefs across South Africa, creating opportunities for young people who share her love for food but lack access to formal training.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Mamello’s journey offers several key takeaways for anyone looking to turn passion into a business:
- Start with what you have. Mamello didn’t wait for perfect conditions; she began her business with limited resources but unlimited drive.
- Adapt to challenges. Losing her job during the pandemic could have been a setback, but she used it as motivation to build something new.
- Diversify your offerings. By offering both catering and takeaway services, she created a model that sustains her business through fluctuating market conditions.
- Build with purpose. Her integration of business and community through the Favour Foundation shows how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can lead to long-term fulfillment.
A Taste of Resilience and Vision
Mamello’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. What started as a young girl helping in her family kitchen has grown into a brand that feeds, inspires, and uplifts communities. Through Flavours By Favour, she continues to remind young entrepreneurs that no dream is too small to pursue, and no challenge is too big to overcome.
