One of the first seaweed gin in Mzansi, Soulicto.

On image: Thando Mhlontlo, owner of Soulicto gin.

Meet the man behind one of the well-packaged Mzansi gins Soulicto, Thando Mhlontlo. Thando was born and bred in Port Elizabeth also known as Gqeberha, in a location named Zwide but currently resides in Johannesburg where he is making moves every day to better his life. This serial entrepreneur was raised by a single mother and had a normal upbringing like most of us.When asked about how he was when growing up all he could remember is that he has always been a dreamer.

When did you start with Soulicto gin, what made you choose to go for a gin business, and what makes your gin different from those that are already on the market? “The idea was birthed 5yrs ago, back then it was just a thought that is exciting with no real plan. Then 2018 December I performed at a Gin Festival, and right after the show the organizer came to me and said, "Your people has finished my gin" which he was referring to the people who were watching me performing at the event, and that brought back the idea I once had. From there I started my research and did some kind of a survey from people in my circle about gin and vodka, and 90% of the people who answered the survey preferred gin, and that’s when I was sure to start with my own gin brand. What makes Soulicto stands out from other gin brands is its flavors – it is one of the first seaweed gin in South Africa with lemon and citrus flavors, as you open it you can smell the lemon and citrus and no gin smells like it. Also, it’s bottle is special with no sticker, its print on the bottle”.

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In starting to implement the idea of Soulicto Gin, what were your challenges and how did you overcome them? “Generally, I like taking my time when I do something and I knew I was doing something new, so I had to learn and research a lot. During that process I spent a lot money and I could really feel my finances are challenged. But because I knew it is time to get the dream off the ground I had to keep going, as a young man it’s not always a reality to find money lying around to start your hustle but the deeper you want the better you find yourself making means to make sure you face and win challenges on the way”.

Your high’s so far and what exactly do you want to achieve through your gin?? “Product being done is one of them, fact that the shops wants it and people love it is really a WIN for me already. Also I just sent few samples to Kenya because they want it out of the country”. What I want achieve is - I don't just want to take from my people, I want to give back too. The dream is to help young, teach them business, so that when they're ready I can fund their business so they can also do the same”.

Lastly – you’re also a family man, so how do you balance business and family? “I spend a lot of time with my kids, so if I am not working I am always home and that makes things easy to balance the two”.

NB: Soulicto gin is available on Takealot for R349, 00 and sold on the car boot for R299,00

Connect with the owner here:

Facebook: Roger Thando 

Instagram: Roger Soulstar 

Twitter: Roger Soulstar