Blog

TechnoServe’s blog highlights the lessons and successes from our work with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries.

Sarah LaFleur’s Journey from TechnoServe Fellow to M.M.LaFleur Founder

Editor’s Note: Originally posted on December 7, 2017 under the title, “Just Get Up and Do Something” – Updated version published on July 20, 2023 under the new title, “Sarah LaFleur’s Journey from TechnoServe Fellow to M.M.LaFleur Founder” Sarah LaFleur, a TechnoServe Fellow in South…

In South Africa, Fashion and Entrepreneurship Offer Women a Way Out of Poverty

As a young girl, Thato Ditsele dreamed of owning her own fashion business. However, life as a young entrepreneur outside of Johannesburg was not easy, and she ran into challenges along the way. Eventually, her dream came true and she was able to start her own clothing line. Through TechnoServe’s Box Shop program, she gained practical knowledge about finance, marketing, and branding, which helped her increase sales by 50%.