Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho is well known as the star of the reality show Real Housewives of Johannesburg, but this Thobela FM breakfast host is also a formidable serial entrepreneur who runs Lejoy Beverages. She recently turned 40 and opened her latest venture, a beauty establishment that she named Eliora Aesthetic Clinic in Midrand. She reflects on the upside of failure with Lesley Mofokeng.
1.How has your entrepreneurship journey been so far?
It has not been easy. I’ve tasted failure in its rawest form, losing everything and had to rebuild from the ground up. After two years of hardship to regain my losses, I can now say those years taught me grit, clarity, and the power of purpose. Today, I’m not just building businesses—I’m building a legacy that will outlive me.
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What has been the toughest business lesson you learnt?
That passion alone is not enough. You need structure, strategy, and a WAR ROOM mentality. I learnt the hard way that emotional attachment can blind you to red flags. Sometimes, letting go is the most courageous decision you can make for future success.
What business principles do you live by?
Legacy over lifestyle. Impact over income. Consistency over hype. I build with the long-term in mind—I don’t chase trends. I am creating my own path that will not force me to conform to any standards or try to fit in.
How has your business landscape evolved since you started and how has that impacted your operations?
When I entered the beverage industry, Lejoy Beverages, the landscape was much more traditional and dominated by well-established brands with significant resources and influence. Breaking into this market seemed like a huge challenge, but I knew that with the right approach, it was possible. I leveraged social media and hosted events such as “Tea talk with LEJOY” and that allowed me to make my mark and connect with customers directly. This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: you don’t need to be big to start—you grow by starting small. The industry has evolved significantly since then. There’s been a huge shift toward health-conscious choices, with consumers seeking functional drinks and cleaner ingredients. This evolution has opened a space for smaller, authentic brands like mine to flourish since my tea brand is all about wellness and we all know that water is life so my Be Still water is on demand as much as my Pure Alkaline water.
The aesthetic clinic business has seen remarkable transformation and growth over the past years. What was once considered a luxury or a niche offering for the wealthy has now become a mainstream part of health, wellness, and self-care culture. The space of aesthetic clinic was once dominated by long-established clinics also felt like there was no space for newcomers like me, without huge budgets or big backing. But I chose not to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect resources. I started small, the important part is I started anyway, only then did I realise that the pie was too big and there would always be people who choose your business.
What are the 3 things every entrepreneur needs to survive business?
- Resilience that refuses to quit.
- A clear vision that guides every pivot.
- A tribe—people who remind you of your ‘why’ when the ‘how’ gets tough.
How has your faith influenced your decision making?
My faith is my compass. When logic fails and markets shift, it anchors me. I’ve made decisions that didn’t make financial sense at the time but felt right in my spirit—and they turned out to be the most pivotal moves in my journey.
What have been the challenges and opportunities of running your different ventures?
Juggling multiple ventures is crazy—each one has its own needs, tempo, and personality. Having the right people working for you and with you comes in handy. Being honest when it comes to your weaknesses and strong points helps you to know when you need assistance to carry the vision.
What has been your lowest point in business and your highest?
My lowest point was losing everything I built—it was humbling, painful, and lonely. But it was also the birthplace of my comeback. My highest point? Seeing my businesses run with a soul of their own, creating jobs, changing lives, and proving that failure isn’t final—it’s a fertiliser for greatness.
What is the most precious recognition you have received and why?
The most precious recognition wasn’t a trophy or headline—it was someone telling me: “Because of your story, I didn’t give up.” That’s legacy. That’s impact. And that’s the kind of reward no money can buy. I can’t turn a blind eye on the fact that I am an award-winning radio and TV host but 2024 has been amazing and it stands out because the following awards came right after I have rebuilt: Best Female TV Personality at the Nation and TV Awards and Woman of Influence 2024 from the office of the then Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana.
What’s your projection for the future?
I’m building brands that will outlive trends and even me. I recently acquired the distribution liquor license for the tea and water under Lejoy Beverages, this tells you of the vision we have with the brand and how far we are planning to go. The Eliora Aesthetic Clinic recently opened and the plan is to grow from one province to another. So, my projection is not just scale, it’s sustainability. I’m working towards expansion into global markets, mentorship platforms for young entrepreneurs, and ultimately creating a blueprint for how to fall, rise, and lead with purpose.
