In the ever-evolving world of media, where creativity and commerce often collide, Thato Vicktoria Mosikare has carved out a space that is as impactful as it is inspiring. As the founder of Poolometsi Holdings, Thato’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t born out of ambition—it began with a simple desire to help. From navigating corporate corridors to uplifting creatives behind the scenes, her story is one of purpose, resilience, and bold reinvention. This is not just the story of a businesswoman—it’s the story of a visionary bridging the gap between passion and power.
A Start Rooted in Purpose
Thato Vicktoria Mosikare never intended to become an entrepreneur. Her journey into business wasn’t a bold leap—it was a slow, intuitive walk guided by a desire to help others. “Honestly, I didn’t set out knowing I was starting a business,” she recalls. What began as her assisting creatives—film production houses, writers, and actors—claim their rebroadcast fees, organically grew into something much larger. “At the time, I saw it as just assisting people in the industry, not necessarily building something of my own.”
But the deeper she went, the clearer the gaps became. South Africa’s creative industry lacked the structured support creatives needed to sustain themselves beyond the spotlight. That realization was a turning point for Thato. “I wasn’t just making money and keeping it for myself; I needed to be part of something bigger, to build a brand with real impact.”
Thus, Poolometsi Holdings was born—an enterprise carved from intention, shaped by necessity, and guided by the unwavering purpose to empower.
A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Thato’s ability to move seamlessly between the corporate and creative spaces is no accident. Her background is a unique blend of structured corporate experience and fluid artistic engagement. She started in banking and business, which gave her the discipline of financial systems and operations. But media, storytelling, and creativity never stopped calling. “No matter where I was professionally, media and storytelling remained at the heart of my passion,” she says.
Her experience in helping creatives with rebroadcast claims not only opened her eyes to an overlooked revenue stream but also revealed her niche—being the bridge between legal, financial systems and creatives who often find those systems impenetrable. “I realized I was filling a critical gap in the industry,” she says. This duality became her edge.
What Poolometsi Holdings Does Differently
Today, Poolometsi Holdings is more than a business—it’s a movement. “We operate at the intersection of media, business development, PR, and marketing,” Thato explains. Their standout offering? Helping creatives access their rebroadcast fees, a crucial but often neglected income stream. “Seeing firsthand how this work has impacted artists has been mind-blowing,” she shares, crediting initiatives like SAGA’s advocacy for inspiring her to keep going.
But their vision stretches beyond rebroadcast claims. Poolometsi crafts corporate stories, builds brands, develops business strategies, and ensures every client—whether an artist or a company—feels seen, valued, and financially empowered. “We don’t just tell stories; we create impact-driven solutions,” she says. It’s that blend of creativity and strategy that sets them apart.
Evolution Through Trial and Purpose
What makes Thato’s story so authentic is her transparency about the pivots and growing pains. The company’s services didn’t arrive polished. “Developing the services was an evolving process,” she says. As the media industry shifted with digital disruption and new content models, Poolometsi evolved too—from claim facilitation to long-term partnerships that sustain artists and brands alike.
This organic growth allowed Thato to align her business with her deeper mission: sustainable impact. “Each change has only strengthened the business and my commitment to helping clients succeed.”
Struggles and Survival
Like many entrepreneurs, Thato’s biggest hurdle was financial literacy. “I failed dismally in managing the financial side at first,” she admits. The influx of money, the pressure to deliver, and the reality of business expenses created a storm she wasn’t prepared for. The weight of debt and responsibility became overwhelming, pushing her to emotional limits. “There were days when everything felt like too much… including attempts to step away from it all. End my life.”
Yet, she held on. Her passion and purpose kept her afloat. “Quitting simply wasn’t an option.” Every financial lesson, every sleepless night, became a building block. “On those hard days, I remember the bigger picture and the purpose that drives me.”
Starting with Little, Dreaming Big
In the beginning, Poolometsi Holdings was powered by resourcefulness. Personal savings, help from friends and family, and some capital from financial institutions were enough to ignite the spark. Thato didn’t have investors or a safety net, but what she had was community. “Friends and family believed in my vision,” she says.
Marketing was also trial and error. “I didn’t have a set strategy in the beginning,” she admits. Instead, she leaned into relationship-building and word-of-mouth. Social media became a tool she slowly mastered, learning to use it with authenticity and consistency.
The Money Lesson That Changed Everything
“The most significant business lesson I’ve learned is the importance of managing finances,” Thato says firmly. Financial literacy is no longer optional—it’s foundational. She’s learned the value of budgeting, forecasting, and being proactive with cash flow. “It’s not just about making money; it’s about making sure your money works for you.”
That lesson now guides how she runs Poolometsi Holdings and how she handles her personal finances. Her mission has matured alongside her mindset.
The Price of Ambition
Entrepreneurship has demanded personal sacrifices. “One of the toughest sacrifices I’ve made is putting off personal milestones,” Thato shares candidly. Her choice to delay motherhood until her business is established has been deeply personal—and occasionally controversial. “Having been married, it had posed some challenges, but I tried to handle it as best as I can. I think!”
While work often takes precedence, she finds moments to be present with loved ones. But for now, business comes first. “I know a lot of people who want to change this mindset. Good luck to them,” she adds with a wink of defiance.
A Mindset of Grit and Grace
For Thato, resilience is the heartbeat of entrepreneurship. “The ability to stay focused and push through challenges… has kept me motivated,” she says. Surrounding herself with a support system and remembering her ‘why’ have anchored her during uncertain times. Adaptability and discipline are habits she cultivates daily.
Looking Ahead: Vision Rooted in Flexibility
When asked about the next five to ten years, Thato doesn’t throw around rigid goals. “The future of business in South Africa can be unpredictable,” she says. Instead, she focuses on adaptability, sustainable growth, and team development.
Her vision is clear: “I want to create a brand that not only thrives but is resilient to the changes and challenges we may face.”
Final Words of Wisdom
To anyone considering entrepreneurship, Thato offers grounded advice: “Keep it simple. Don’t try to do everything at once. Be ready for the ups and downs.” And perhaps most importantly, she reminds aspiring entrepreneurs of something often overlooked: “It’s okay to ask for help.”
In a world that glorifies hustle, Thato Vicktoria Mosikare stands as proof that purpose, honesty, and perseverance are the real cornerstones of success.
About the Founder
Thato Vicktoria Mosikare is an inspiring entrepreneur with a unique blend of passion for media and a background in logistics. As the founder of Poolometsi Holdings, a media company, she has carved out a space for herself in an industry that thrives on creativity and innovation.
Fun Facts About Thato:
Financial literacy has become a central part of Thato’s life, but not without a steep learning curve. “Let’s just say I had to learn the hard way in the beginning—thanks, business debt!” she humorously reflects on her early days in business. Despite the challenges, Thato has emerged stronger, using those lessons to empower others on their financial journeys.
She is also working on an exciting project—a memoir titled The Price of Ambition: When Chasing Dreams Becomes Self-Sabotage. This upcoming book promises to be a mix of personal stories and valuable advice, as Thato opens up about her experiences and how ambition can sometimes lead to self-sabotage if not properly managed. The release date is eagerly awaited.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Thato is a sought-after MC & Moderator for corporate events, where her engaging presence and sharp communication skills make her a favorite among clients.
Despite her success, Thato remains grounded and finds strength in her family and friends. “They mean the world to me; they keep me grounded and inspired,” she shares.
A true romantic at heart, Thato believes in love in all its forms—whether it’s in books, movies, or real life. “I’m a sucker for romance,” she admits, adding that it’s one of the things that inspires her the most.
And when it comes to food, Thato has a simple yet timeless favorite: Russian and chips. “After this interview, I’m headed to get just that,” she says with a smile.
