“Supporting the Local Economy”: Gauteng Hustler Inspires With Sunflower Cooking Oil Business
- Nosso Sunflower Oil founder Calab Baloyi started selling locally produced sunflower cooking oil after he lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic
- He shared with Briefly News what inspired his journey into farming and sunflower oil production, and how he entered the agricultural industry
- With a unique name like Nosso, Calab also shared how he came up with his business's name, which has ties to his daughter and an international language
Source: Facebook
Calab Baloyi, the founder of Nosso Sunflower Oil, who hails from the township of Orange Farm in Gauteng, proved that when life hands you sunflowers, you turn them into a thriving cooking oil business.
Nosso Sunflower Oil produces high-quality sunflower oil, focusing on sustainability and community empowerment. According to its website, the company repurposes by-products into nutrient-rich animal feed, supporting local agriculture and reducing waste.
Before starting his company, Calab was a senior sales consultant, but had lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also had to say goodbye to his car and move back home, which prompted him to explore new business ventures.
The entrepreneur, who studied towards a BCom degree but had to forfeit it when his mother fell ill, told the publication:
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"My journey into farming and sunflower oil production began when I was inspired by my mother's small garden in Orange Farm. Initially, I started with spinach and cabbage, but later pivoted to sunflower oil production due to land constraints and the potential for sustainable business growth."
When Briefly News asked Calab how he gained access to the agricultural industry, he stated that it was through determination and hard work, adding that he also managed to leverage support from various organisations.
"The National Youth Development Agency and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the innovation hub, business partners, etc, provided funding and resources to help me establish and grow my business."
What makes Nosso Sunflower Oil unique?
According to Calab, Nosso Sunflower Oil, which also advertises its products on its Facebook account, stands out due to its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development.
"The oil is locally produced, ensuring freshness and supporting the local economy."
He shared with Briefly News that the business model adds an eco-friendly dimension that is not usually seen in the industry.
Regarding the meaning behind the name, Calab stated that Nosso, which means 'ours' in Portuguese, was inspired by his daughter's name, Ntsako, which means 'happiness.'
Tying it in with the community, he explained that Nosso is intended to convey a sense of ownership, possibly suggesting that the product is 'ours' or 'from our community.'
Source: Facebook
Calab also shared advice for those wishing to leap into the business world:
"Entrepreneurship can be challenging, and things don't always go as planned. Be prepared to pivot when necessary, and don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. Prioritise quality and innovation in your products or services. This will help you differentiate yourself from competitors and build a loyal customer base."
3 Other stories about local business owners
- In another article, Briefly News reported that a grateful young woman proudly shared the growth of her nail bar business. People flooded her comment section with congratulatory messages.
- A successful businesswoman with 62 trucks went viral after she opened up about the challenges she faced growing her empire in a male-dominated industry.
- A local entrepreneur shared that at 21, she spent R40 000 on a mobile kitchen to start a business in the food industry. She told Briefly News she used money from her first business to make the second work.
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Source: Briefly News
