Woman with a plan
The passions we develop at a young age can often become our source of income as adults – Setho Autlwetse is living proof of this!
The Kasane native is an in-demand event planner, known for her attention to detail and inspired creative touch, skills she sharpened as a child.
With her company, Native Ultimate Events boasting offices in Autlwetse’s home town as well as a second branch in Francistown, the BA Humanities graduate is fast becoming a go-to player in the busy world of event management.
Kindly introduce yourself?
My name is Setho Autlwetse; as for my age, let’s just say I’m old enough (laughing). I am an Event Manager and creative lead owning a company called the Native Ultimate Events which was formed in 2021. I specialise in decor and design, transforming blank canvases into memorable venues.
How did this come about?
I have always enjoyed making things around me look as pretty as possible. It started with me decorating my room when I was young to the way I decorate my home as an adult. I would like to believe this carried over into my career choice as well.
‘Event Manager’ is a bit vague, what exactly does your job entail?
My role involves designing event décor concepts, sourcing materials, styling venues, and managing setup and breakdown to bring my clients visions to life while ensuring the event space is visually cohesive and well-executed.
Quite the job description then! So what’s the toughest part of ensuring everything comes together?
Transporting the materials for the decorations all across the country as the jobs demand has been the hardest part of my career. So I would say the biggest challenge I have faced, or let me say on a day-to-day basis, is moving materials from point A to point B and back to point A.
Typically who are your clients and what type of events have you taken charge of?
I have worked with social groups, multinational companies, national companies and individuals. I have done many different types of events throughout the course of my career, such as weddings, conferences, beauty pageants and even birthday parties.
Is there a particular event that stands out as your most successful?
We consider all the events a success because we cater to client specifications so we cannot single out any or compare. From a personal perspective though, I would say the work done for international clients always presents an opportunity to learn something new as the clients have very high standards, so in that regard those would always stand out.
How about a time an event didn’t go as planned?
When running a business where you have to outsource materials you are bound to run into a few complications with suppliers. I recall a time I had placed an order for flowers based off my client’s vision. However, they took a long time to arrive and some had already wilted and left me with very little time before the event. I was forced to improvise and use different flowers. This improvisation sadly did not meet the customer’s standard.
How do you handle last minute cancellations?
I have never really experienced that.
Describe your design and style?
I tend to lean more towards a rustic aesthetic if given creative freedom but most times I try to fit the aesthetic the client is looking for.
What is your process for creating a cohesive look and feel for an event?
I try and get as close to the source material as possible and I consult with the client if I feel there can be a few improvements to the design.
Do you ever experience problems with challenging decor?
The only problems I really face is with the outsourcing of materials. There have been a few times that the client would want a piece that was either out of budget or not available in the region and I have had to improvise.
What about dealing with a difficult client?
I haven’t really faced any difficult clients. I’ve actually only had pleasant experiences with most of the people I’ve met throughout my career. The only difficulty may come from suppliers.
So what makes a good Events Manager?
An Events Manager has to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
What are the first steps to take when planning an event?
First steps, always understand the customer’s vision and budget, finding the necessary materials, both luxury and budget friendly, and presenting the client with different quotations and having them decide what to spend on and what to save on.
How do you handle multiple events at once?
I have trained and equipped my team with the tools to get the job done even in my physical absence. This allows me to coordinate the decoration of multiple different events remotely. We have five core staff members on the team but we outsource other labor when handling big jobs.
How do you ensure the atmosphere matches the vision?
If given creative freedom I like to work with the natural environment, not against it. Meaning if I work in a garden then I will lean towards an earthy style or if by a river a more luxury style.
How do you measure event success beyond attendance?
I measure it through return customers and customer satisfaction. Decor is more than a job to me, it’s a passion. The enjoyment that I gain from bringing a vision to life and the acknowledgement of a job well done counts for success in my books.
Did you go to school for you to be an event manager?
Ironically my course had nothing to do with event management – I earned a degree in 2009 doing BA Humanities at the University of Botswana (UB). I would like to believe it is a skill that manifested naturally over time and not one that I was taught.
I notice Native Ultimate Events is not very active on Facebook, and made only three posts last year. Why’s that?
We are more focused on our website as well as TikTok.
Ah, fair enough. Besides being a successful businesswoman you are also blessed with natural beauty – are you taken?
I have been happily married to my husband for the past 15 years!
Oh, congratulations! So how do you balance family and business?
I am a mother of four beautiful children. Because the type of business that I run is on order, it allows me to spend more time with my children during the seasons where I have not been booked for an event which has given me an amazing work-life balance. Sometimes my job takes me to beautiful places all over the country, like Makgadikgadi so I try my best to bring them along if they do not have school.
Who is your role model?
My parents.
When is your next event?
My next job is at the end of January.
Away from work, what are your hobbies?
I like reading a lot and watching television.
What makes you stand out?
Being authentic!
And finally, Thank God It’s Friday, any special plans for the weekend?
This weekend is my husband’s birthday, so obviously we have to do something for him.
