SUBSCRIBE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

Jozi smoothie queen living her business dreams

by Noluthando Ngcakani
25th May 2021
in Grow It, Recipes
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Smoothie

Through a food business she calls the Baaa Smoothie Bar, Bontle Tshole (29) is on a mission to dispel the myth that healthy foods are boring. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The idea of healthy eating honestly never sounds appealing if we are being honest.

And the thought of munching on a “boring” bowl of steamed veggies or a bland-tasting salad does not particularly spark fireworks.

smoothie
Bontle Tshole (28) is the proud owner of Baaa Smoothie Bar in Fourways, Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Johannesburg foodpreneur Bontle Tshole (29) is, however, trying to dispel misconceptions of healthy eating with a healthy alternative, fast-food business she calls Baaa Smoothie Bar.  

With enough effort and thought, healthy eating can satiate your palate, she believes.

“Changing the narrative surrounding healthy eating involves a great amount of consumer education as well as providing healthier food alternatives,” Tshole explains. 

In 2017, the Gauteng-born entrepreneur unlocked a golden opportunity when she merged her passions for entrepreneurship with her passions for health and wellness, creating her very own juicing business.  

Tshole’s food business offers mouth-watering, quick and healthy alternative meals for health-conscious consumers from her flagship store in the Johannesburg suburb of Fourways. 

Business dream with humble childhood beginning  

Tshole had visions of becoming an entrepreneur since she was a young girl growing up in Boksburg.  

Her mother, Mphai, a tenacious businesswoman, was the inspiration behind her intense drive for entrepreneurship. 

“Growing up with a mother who is a businesswoman was one of the biggest privileges I had. My journey has been a lot easier because there were things that I learned just from looking at her and how she does things.”

She even developed her first business plan at age nine.

“I wanted to open a confectionary store. I remember writing it down, to this day I still have the designs I penned of what the store would look like.” 

These ideas were refined as she grew older.  “My vision has evolved, I can see beyond that pencil drawing I made as a little girl,” she jokes.  

Teachings from the novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho have taught her that if you believe in the universe’s plan for you, things will work out. “On the first market we ever did, we sold out twice and for me that was just a big moment. I didn’t actually think it would go as good as it went, the success of that day was confirmation that I was on the right path.” 

Health is wealth 

Tshole may specialise in organic smoothies, but she describes her eating style as “moderately indulgent.” 

“I believe in balance. You won’t find me out and about drinking green smoothies, I still eat burgers, I go out, I drink alcohol. Life is about balance and that is something I preach to my clients as well.” 

The most unusual flavours on Tshole’s juice menu is a beetroot and banana smoothie, she reveals. “It’s one of those things you hear and think OMG no! But it tastes good,” she giggles.  

Her ode to indigenous food comes in the form of a sorghum smoothie. “We blend mabhele (sorghum) and some strawberries with some coconut milk as well. It’s one of those products that people who know sorghum absolutely love.” 

Her appreciation for her heritage resonates in some of the labelling of her juices, which include Setswana names like a self-titled smoothie, Bontle, as well as Batho, Lethabo and many more. 

“It was really important for me to come back to who I am as an African.”

“Having names like Batho (people) or Bophelo (life), really makes people relate with the brand more. You would find a customer would be so happy whenever they find their own name on a label.” 

ALSO READ: Nutrition tips: What every Covid survivor should eat

Tags: Healthy lifestyleNutrition
Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

Related Articles

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi
Grow It

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

by Vateka Halile
14th May 2025
Immune booster
Recipes

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

by Andrea du Plessis
13th May 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi
Grow It

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

by Vateka Halile
14th May 2025

Winter gardening in Mzansi? Absolutely! Home gardeners and farmers alike are turning winter into a season of abundance. With tips...

Read moreDetails
Immune booster

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

13th May 2025
Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

12th May 2025
Pregnancy

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

9th May 2025
Lung disease

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

8th May 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

Top winter crops to plant now in Mzansi

Boost your body with homemade immune shots

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers