Besties In Business

Actresses, best friends and entrepreneurs TERRY PHETO, 36, and MAMPHO BRESCIA, 39, have ventured into a new educational toy business called Let’s Learn Toys. It’s a first for the pair, who plan to build an empire together.

- Phila Tyekana

It all unfolds at the sophisticated FotoZA Gallery in Rosebank, one of Joburg’s trendy rooftop hotspots, as award-winning actresses, besties and now entrepreneurs Terry Pheto and Mampho Brescia launch their innovative business venture, Let’s Learn Toys. As with all things Terry and Mampho, the event is classy and elegant. Gauteng’s Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is among the esteemed guests, as are businesswoman Johanna Mukoki, casting director Moonyeenn Lee and many more A-listers. The room is packed with camera crews from leading lifestyle and entertainment shows; they’re here to cover the launch and help spread the word about this new venture.

A decade of friendship between the two actresses has led to this beautiful celebration. Their persuasive skills are evident as they convince influential people to support their kiddies’ toy range. We’re in awe. Theirs is a unique take on entrepreneurship in a world full of celebs launching books, reality shows and fashion labels. Terry and Mampho have found a niche market based on their mutual need to empower and uplift children through the medium of educational play. The toys are available in a wide variety from an online store, letslearntoys.co.za. Some 2 000 toys have been sourced both locally and abroad, with some of these pieces designed exclusively for Let’s Learn Toys. The company caters to children from the age of 12 months to 18 years.

“Let’s Learn Toys is a passion project; it’s something that Mampho and I always wanted to do,” says Terry. “We didn’t always plan to start with toys, but we’ve always wanted to start a business. We’re both very ambitious and want the best for our children.”