Maria started her entrepreneurial journey in 1994 with a salon, but when it didn’t generate enough income, she turned to selling fresh produce. Beginning with mielies and spinach, she gradually expanded her range to meet customer demand. Initially, she sourced her stock from the Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market, but when she learned about Freshlinq’s opening in November 2019, she registered as a buyer on the first day and has been sourcing from there ever since.
Over the past six years, Maria’s business has grown significantly. She now employs five people who assist with selling fresh produce, while she focuses on purchasing stock. She visits Freshlinq daily to ensure her customers always have fresh products, primarily buying potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, pumpkins, beetroot, and carrots. Her weekly procurement typically includes 60-70 bags of potatoes, 20-25 cabbages for weekends, and 10 bags each of beetroot and carrots. Always open to new opportunities, she also experiments with selling garlic and other seasonal produce.
Testimonial to hard work paying off—Maria has invested in vehicles for her business and, most importantly, in the future of her children’s education. One of her children is currently attending university, where the other already secured a managerial position in Johannesburg. Freshlinq formed the foundational pillars of her success through offering a reliable supply of choice grade fresh produce, even on public holidays.
Maria advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and gradually grow your business from there. With R500, she recommends purchasing essentials like tomatoes, cabbage, a 10kg bag of potatoes, and a 10kg bag of onions. Selling these strategically can generate profit and allow for steady business growth.
Maria’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Her story highlights how Freshlinq supports small businesses by providing consistent access to fresh goods, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.
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