Lavinia's piping hot business

Lavinia Simon, the founder and managing director of Gloria Pepper Sauce & Catering CC, exemplifies how a simple business idea can be transformed into a powerful force for change.Formerly a risk portfolio officer, she made the courageous decision to leave the corporate world to pursue her vision of culinary innovation and uplifting local communities. Equipped with a range of qualifications in business and entrepreneurship — including the AWE programme, DHL GoTrade, and Food Safety Compliance, she is currently among the distinguished few selected for the prestigious 2025 African Women’s Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC).Established in 2020 and running full-time since 2023, Gloria Pepper Sauce began with just N$11 000 and a powerful story. The brand name “Gloria” is inspired by her childhood nickname, a nod to the joy and connection she felt growing up.What began giving away samples has become a fast-growing business that crafts preservative-free, handcrafted hot sauces using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.Today, Gloria Pepper Sauce offers eight flavourful varieties in 250ml and 125ml bottles, now stocked at Food Lovers Market, Woermann Brock Fresh, Choppies, and local gift shops and lodges across Namibia.As managing director, Simon oversees every aspect of the business, from production and sourcing to branding and logistics. Her typical day includes hands-on sauce making, delivery runs and evening admin tasks. Her commitment to local sourcing not only enhances flavour but also reduces post-harvest losses and supports Namibian farmers.Despite starting with minimal capital and no formal food industry experience, she overcame early challenges through training, mentorship and strategic reinvestment.Choosing to stay preservative-free has required precision, but it’s a choice her customers appreciate.Her proudest achievement? Building a sustainable brand recognised both locally and internationally while creating job opportunities and inspiring fellow entrepreneurs.Simon's advice to aspiring business owners is to “Start where you are, stay consistent and let your story be your strength.”Over the next phase of her journey, she is focused on expanding her production capacity, creating employment opportunities and reaching new markets across Africa through the AfCFTA framework. She also envisions developing a wider range of products to strengthen the brand’s impact.For Simon, Gloria Pepper Sauce is not just about taste, it’s a vehicle for sustainable growth, community upliftment and empowerment.

Lavinia's piping hot business

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-08

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Lavinia's piping hot business

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-08

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