At a time when many young entrepreneurs are gravitating towards trading and service-based businesses, Itumeleng Scelo Mpala, has taken a different path, investing in manufacturing in a city once regarded as Zimbabwe’s industrial powerhouse.
The founder of Lassie Fluffy Tissues believes locally manufactured products can compete with imports while creating jobs and helping rebuild the city’s economy.
What began as an extension of her poultry business has grown into a tissue paper manufacturing company operating from Belmont, Bulawayo, employing six full-time workers and producing more than 10 000 tissue rolls a day.
Driven by a belief that “entrepreneurship is about identifying everyday problems and creating practical solutions,” Mpala says her ambition extends beyond profits to creating sustainable employment and encouraging more women to venture into manufacturing, a sector traditionally viewed as male-dominated.
On this week’s Southern Eye Change Makers reporter Sharon Sibindi (SS) spoke to Itumeleng Scelo Mpala (IM), the founder of Lassie Fluffy Tissues, who says entrepreneurship is about “identifying everyday problems and creating practical solutions”, believes women “can succeed in any industry”, and hopes her business will create sustainable jobs while inspiring more young people to enter manufacturing.
The business currently has six full-time employees and produces more than 10 000 tissue rolls a day.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
SS: For those meeting you for the first time, who are you? Tell us about yourself, where you’re from, and the journey that led you to entrepreneurship.
IM: My name is Itumeleng Scelo Mpala and I am the founder of Lassie Fluffy Tissues, a tissue paper manufacturing company based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Lassie Fluffy Tissues was born from my other business in poultry farming, where I produce table eggs and hatch Ross 306 day-old chicks.
I have always believed that entrepreneurship is about identifying everyday problems and creating practical solutions. Growing up, I admired people who built businesses that created opportunities for others, and that inspired me to pursue my own entrepreneurial journey. Starting Lassie Fluffy Tissues has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I am proud to contribute to Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector.
SS: Tissue paper manufacturing is not a business many young women venture into. What inspired you to enter this industry, and what gave you the confidence to take that first step?
IM: I saw a gap in the market for quality, affordable tissue products that are manufactured locally. Many people see manufacturing as difficult or male-dominated, but I saw an opportunity to prove that women can succeed in any industry.
My confidence came from believing in my vision, doing thorough research, and understanding that every successful business starts with one courageous step. I wanted to build something that would not only generate income but also create jobs and reduce reliance on imported products.
SS: Every entrepreneur has a defining moment. Was there a particular experience or challenge in your life that convinced you this business could work?
IM: The defining moment was realising that tissue paper is an everyday necessity. Regardless of economic conditions, people will always need hygiene products. I also noticed that many businesses and households wanted reliable local suppliers. That convinced me there was room for a Zimbabwean brand that delivers quality consistently. From that point, I committed myself to making the business a reality.
SS: Manufacturing in Zimbabwe comes with its own challenges — from raising capital and sourcing raw materials to power cuts and competition. What has been your biggest obstacle so far, and how have you overcome it?
IM: Access to capital has been one of the biggest challenges because manufacturing requires significant investment in machinery, raw materials, importation of materials and operations. Power shortages and fluctuating production costs have also been difficult. I have learned to plan carefully, manage resources efficiently, build strong supplier relationships, and remain flexible. Every challenge has strengthened my resilience and taught me to find innovative solutions rather than giving up.
SS: Who is your target market, and what makes your tissue paper stand out in a market dominated by established brands and imported products?
IM: Our target market includes households, supermarkets, wholesalers, schools, hotels, restaurants, offices, hospitals and other businesses that require quality tissue products. What makes Lassie Fluffy Tissues stand out is our commitment to producing soft, durable, affordable and locally manufactured products while providing reliable customer service. We believe customers deserve excellent quality without paying premium prices.
SS: Your business is based in Bulawayo, a city once known as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub. Do you believe young entrepreneurs like yourself can help revive the city’s manufacturing sector, and what more needs to be done to support businesses like yours?
IM: Absolutely. Young entrepreneurs are bringing fresh ideas, innovation and determination into manufacturing. If more young people are encouraged and supported, Bulawayo can regain its reputation as Zimbabwe’s industrial hub. We need easier access to affordable financing, reliable electricity, supportive government policies and stronger partnerships between industry, financial institutions and entrepreneurs. With the right support, small manufacturers can grow into major employers.
SS: Beyond earning an income, what impact do you hope your business will have on your community? Are you creating jobs, mentoring other young people, or inspiring more women to venture into manufacturing?
IM: My vision goes beyond making profits. I want Lassie Fluffy Tissues to create sustainable employment opportunities, especially for young people and women. I also hope my journey inspires other women to believe they belong in manufacturing and business leadership. If my story encourages even one young person to pursue their dream despite challenges, I will consider that a meaningful success.
SS: If someone had told the younger version of yourself that one day you would own a manufacturing business, what would you have said? And what message do you have for young Zimbabweans who have brilliant ideas but are afraid to take the first step?
IM: I would probably have been surprised, but I would also have been excited because I’ve always believed in dreaming big. My message to young Zimbabweans is simple: don’t wait for perfect conditions because they may never come. Start with what you have, learn continuously, remain consistent and don’t let fear stop you. Every successful business began as an idea. Believe in yourself, work hard and stay committed to your vision. Success comes to those who are willing to persevere.