Tropical Paradise
What does your company do?
Tropical Paradise Smoothie Bar addresses the pressing issue of unhealthy eating habits prevalent among students and professionals, contributing to South Africa being labeled as the unhealthiest country in Africa.
The problem arises from the limited availability of convenient, affordable, and nutritious food options, leading individuals to resort to unhealthy food choices, which in turn impacts their overall health and well-being. This issue is further exacerbated by the lack of access to fresh produce and healthy food alternatives, particularly in campus and corporate settings.
Tropical Paradise Smoothie Bar offers a solution by providing delicious, healthy, and affordable smoothies made from fresh, natural ingredients. Our carefully crafted smoothies are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, offering a convenient and nutritious option for individuals seeking healthier dietary alternatives.
Through our mobile setup, we cater directly to students on campus and professionals at their workplace, making it easier for them to make healthier choices on the go. Additionally, our catering services extend to corporates, promoting employee wellness and productivity by offering nutritious smoothies as part of corporate wellness programs.
By offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast food options and promoting a culture of wellness, Tropical Paradise Smoothie Bar positively impacts the communities we serve. Our Organic waste is given to a company that creates biogas. We Source our ripe fruit from Farmers, Hence we assist then avoid fresh produce waste. We employ and upskill students in the university we operate from.
What is your biggest success?
I am the true definition of starting small and ending big. I have learnt so much through my business, and leading my team. I have employed students and people older than me. I feel that the more tropical paradise grows, is the more I become an agent of change. I am an example to the youth that it is possible. My business has won two awards but it has won the hearts of way more people. My biggest success has been realizing that there is no limit to the sky and I want to do this for the rest of my life. Just creating and scaling an impactful business.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
I started my business at 18 years, I could only bootstrap with my bursary allowance, Every single cent has went into creating my business. boot strapping is almost impossible, Especially if the problem is big and you need more resources. So Either way, entrepreneurs always have to find solutions. it has been raising funds for a mini manufacturing unit to manufacture. Thing is, we have to manufacture our products, under the right certification so we can sell at a larger scale. I feel it is too early to go for funding options that will dilute our share ownership. As we take the organic way of trying to secure the warehouse through sales, I must say it poses challenges because the moment is now to capture the market. I guess entrepreneurship needs you to hold on, when you are in those moments. Like if you cant find the light at the end of tunnel, you must create your own light from within and have a deep sense of knowing that it all has its time.
