A healing escape like no other
When you think of excursions, your mind probably jumps to grand getaways with pricey flights to Joburg or a weekend in Maun- trips that demand fat wallets or months of saving.
But what if the most profound experiences lie in nearby unexpected places, like a serene hideaway in Gabane where creativity, self discovery, and culinary delights intertwine to create something truly magical.
Well this past Saturday, Bash Connecktor- the experiential marketing maestros, hosted an unforgettable women’s brunch at Gabane Pottery, blending pottery, storytelling, and gourmet food into a soul-nourishing retreat.
Owned by the socially conscious Basadi ‘Bash’ Masimolole, Bash Connecktor always aims to curate unique and meaningful experiences.
On that Saturday, during the second edition of the TatsoConnekt Leading Women Brunch at Gabane Pottery, the company certainly lived up to its promise.
The theme, “Causes of Self-Doubt for Women Executives and Entrepreneurs: Mechanisms to Cope with Imposter Syndrome,” directly addressed the challenges faced by ambitious, professional and enterprising women.
However, it was the medium through which healing was explored that truly made this event stand out.
The journey began at Masa Square in Gaborone, where our group of 15 women gathered at 0930hrs buzzing with anticipation.
A short drive later, we arrived at Gabane Pottery, a hidden sublime paradise hidden at the foot of Gabane Hill.
Established 40 years ago to provide employment to locals, this tranquil place with its rustic thatched buildings and an array of handcrafted pottery set the stage for a calming, immersive and transformative experience.
At the entrance, a curio shop and annex house a variety of traditional wares, from handmade earthenware, baskets and related trinkets.
In front, a cozy lwapa is set up with contemporary décor – several tables and chairs, topped with flower vases, which add to the serene ambiance.
Resident potter Martin, a friendly and knowledgeable Zambian-born artisan with a passion as deep as the clay he molds, guided us through the art of pottery.
As he spoke to us, weaving biblical analogies of God as the potter and humanity as the clay, it became clear that this was more than just a lesson in craftsmanship, it was a lesson in resilience, surrender, and self-acceptance.
The hands-on clay session proved to be both therapeutic and symbolic, a form of outlet.
As we got busy pounding, molding, and shaping the earth with our hands, we found ourselves unconsciously releasing self-doubt, stress, and emotional burdens.
While I yearned for a go at the pottery wheel, the experience of sculpting and painting my own creation was deeply satisfying. Creativity, after all, is not about perfection, it’s about expression.
In addition to the richness of the day, we indulged in an exquisite spread prepared by Pinkie Nage and Tsholohelo Mogatwane of MyHomeCafeBW, each bite an experience in itself.
But it wasn’t just our hands and stomachs that were nourished, our hearts and minds were, too.
A powerful narrative therapy session unfolded as three remarkable women, Goabaone Modisane, Ludo Bagopi, and Angela Setumo- bravely shared their personal journeys with imposter syndrome, opening up about their struggles with self-doubt, mental health and the strategies they employed to overcome.
Their stories resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, particularly Angela’s, who at just 14, had to raise her toddler sister after losing her parents in a devastating car crash.
Having struggled with social anxiety since the passing of my daughter, I could deeply relate to the emotional weight of her words.
Her strength was a mirror to our own resilience, further reminding us that healing isn’t found in isolation, but in connection.
Wellness coach, Mother Masire, and professional counsellor, Canny Johnson, further anchored the session, offering practical advice on coping mechanisms, reminding us that struggles with self-worth and failure are a part of the human experience but do not define us.
What stood out most to me during this part of the event was the powerful sense of community and shared experience.
Despite being strangers at the start of the day, we were all united by our stories, challenges, and aspirations for growth.
Through the combined experience of pottery, good food, storytelling, and therapeutic guidance, I not only reignited my creative potential but also began reconnecting with the very core of my being.
For me, the day wasn’t just about managing self-doubt; it was about reclaiming my joy in creativity, finding peace in the present moment, and celebrating the resilience we all carry inside us.
For my womenfolk, it was a day of growth, healing and, yes, a truly immersive experience.
Bash Connecktor’s main aim is to shine a spotlight on not-for-profit organisations.
She shared that she was first introduced to Gabane Pottery during her time as a graduate trainee at Standard Chartered Bank when the company purchased corporate gifts – glazed glasses – for a golf tournament marking Botswana’s 40th Independence.
Now, she hopes to reposition Gabane Pottery as a therapeutic space, using the same creativity and tradition that have made it a staple in the community.
