Raising the Bar: Tafadzwa Nyakotyo’s Journey to Building Exceptional Event Experiences

When Tafadzwa Nyakotyo first entered the catering, events, and hospitality space, the goal was simple: make every moment count for clients on their most important days. What began as a passion for service excellence grew into Solulele Investments—a multifaceted business known for delivering fully equipped bar setups, skilled and respectful staff, and seamless event execution. Today, the business spans not only food and beverage services but also retail and property rentals, embodying a commitment to integrity, consistency, and innovation.

Tafadzwa’s journey with Black Umbrellas began unexpectedly, sparked by an article about Phuti Mahanyele’s appointment as CEO of Naspers. Intrigued by her accomplishments and earlier affiliation with the Shanduka Group and Black Umbrellas, Tafadzwa delved deeper. The more he learned, the clearer it became that the programme could offer the structured support and mentorship his business needed. Inspired and motivated, he applied to join—and hasn’t looked back since.

The Black Umbrellas programme offered more than just training; it initiated a complete shift in how Tafadzwa approached business. The courses encouraged him to take a hard look at operations, such as analysing receipts and financial data to better manage event expenses—something the business had previously overlooked. Mentorship sessions with Christian were relaxed yet impactful, helping him build the confidence to make bold but necessary decisions. One such example was deciding not to operate on days that consistently produced low turnover, choosing sustainability over convenience.

Since joining Black Umbrellas, Solulele Investments has experienced meaningful growth. The business has gained a stronger reputation in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Port Elizabeth, where its events are increasingly in demand. With the acquisition of trailers, storage units, fridges, and glassware, the business has expanded its capacity and improved service delivery to meet the needs of a broader client base. Revenue has remained stable despite a challenging economic environment, and the business continues to receive 2–3 new client inquiries after every event, with most of those converting into bookings. Tafadzwa is also proud of the employment opportunities Solulele Investments creates, providing 20–30 students each year with work experience through shop and event roles.

Like many entrepreneurs, Tafadzwa faced hurdles along the way. Translating theory into real-world practice wasn’t always simple. Customer feedback forms revealed areas of concern, such as limited stock due to cash flow constraints. While addressing such issues is still a work in progress, the insight gained has been invaluable. Balancing mentor sessions, coursework, and daily operations proved demanding, and although funding applications through introduced platforms had limited success, Tafadzwa remained focused and committed.

The skills acquired through Black Umbrellas helped Tafadzwa rethink his approach to strategy and spot new opportunities. He regularly shares key takeaways with his business partner and staff, adapting what works best for their context. Innovation has also played a big role in their development. Solulele Investments invested in modern bar equipment to improve efficiency and deliver exceptional service. Staff training is ongoing, with a firm belief in staying updated on industry trends while holding true to the values that create memorable client experiences. The programme also instilled in him the importance of focusing on the company’s strengths, instead of constantly pivoting to meet every new market demand. Even when some clients were lost to cheaper competitors, the business’s commitment to quality helped preserve its market standing.

Tafadzwa no longer measures success by fleeting gains but by client loyalty and the consistency of customer engagement. Over the past two years, Solulele Investments has experienced a steady flow of patrons and increased bookings from across the region. Looking to the future, the business aims to maintain its loyal client base by sustaining the high quality of service that drives referrals. Plans are also in place to boost brand visibility through smart, targeted marketing efforts. Tafadzwa has a growing interest in Artificial Intelligence and hopes to explore how it can enhance business operations.

For other entrepreneurs considering the Black Umbrellas programme, Tafadzwa’s message is clear: join with a genuine intention to grow and learn. The programme offers critical insight into finance, HR, and regulatory frameworks—elements often overlooked but vital to business success. Reflecting on his journey, his only regret is not attending more of the online webinars, which he found both informative and engaging.

Tafadzwa Nyakotyo’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when ambition is paired with the right support system. Through his unwavering commitment, continuous learning, and the guidance of Black Umbrellas, he is not only building a business—but a legacy.