All things Basil and Brass

Founder of events management company, Basil and Brass, Oregolele Gomolemo, 25, shares the perks, hurdles, and tips for being a young businesswoman.

1.What sparked the idea to start Basil and Brass?

Basil and Brass is where my love for food and events meet. Having successfully studied in both fields, I did not hesitate to head in the direction to link both and bring something creative to the market.

2. What is the story behind the name of your company?

The Basil is naturally the herb used in cooking and Brass represents the fine things in life, which can easily be incorporated into events to create a beautiful setting. Basil and Brass was originally founded to be a company that is about food events; fairs, markets, and luncheons. But as we kept growing people started to demand events that fall within your day to day experiences like parties and baby showers and although we do still majorly focus on the food events, we do also cater to the need and expectations of clients when required.

3.Have you always been entrepreneurial? If not what inspired you to be a business woman?

I have not always been entrepreneurial; I have however always been opportunistic. In my belief I am created to create, my aim has always been to take what I have been given and use it to bring favourable outcomes for the masses. And I truly do not mind if that comes with overflow in my pocket!

4.Why did you branch into events management?

I was a child raised under the table. My mom did public relations and was always at the event scenes. So during school holidays, she would take me to work with her and I was never allowed to sit around and be on my phone. We all had to work. And that sparked my interest. So I went on to study events management at the Tshwane University of Technology. The rest has led me to where I am now

5.How has the business been since your launch?

Tough. I will not even sugar coat it. Everyone dares to tell you about the finish line, very few talk about the way getting there. But each moment has been worth it, because the people that talk about the finish line have also taught us about commitment and persistence, and truly that has helped in the growth of the company.

6.What have been your highlights and challenges?

Highlights have been the monthly intimate socials that we host in Pretoria called The Fresh Exchange, as well as the event we will be hosting in Bloemfontein and Mafikeng from August this year. They are both brainchildren of Basil and Brass and have been great challenges themselves because they demand so much in terms of sponsorships and artist acquisition to name a few. It has been really tough to secure money to get certain things off the ground, especially as a new establishment. Although it is a beautiful time right now to be alive as a young person in business, the financial backing still has so many hurdles to it – and that is the greatest challenge of all.

7.Who should use your services

EVERYONE! And I am not just saying that because I am biased but because of the flag that we carry of great creative and passionate work, which we carry from one event to the other. Whether it is a global brand like Nike or a new graduate looking for a dinner party, we are ready and willing to bring great results to the table.

8. Who have been your biggest clients?

We are currently in the process of securing three global names at the moment, so stick with us and we’ll drop names once everything is in the bag

9. From your experience, does SA provide a favourable environment for business owners? If not, what should be done?

Things have changed so much. We are living in a time now where there are so many opportunities, and where we can make our own opportunities. It isn’t about South Africa anymore, or the government. Institutions no longer hold the position over us like they used to. My thoughts are that we need to go out and take charge of the freedom we have to be the change we are able to be

10. What is your advice to young people who want to start and run successful businesses?

Think strongly. Attempt fearlessly. Accomplish masterfully. Pray ceaselessly

For anything, Basil and Brass related email to info@basilnbrass.com

Connect with Oregolele

Twitter: @_YesItsOreo

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Facebook: Oregolele Gomolemo

For Basil and Brass

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