Mpho Ngoepe, known affectionately as Mphoentle, is a dynamic creative force in South Africa's entertainment industry. Born in the quiet village of Ga-Habedi in the North West, she was raised by her grandmother, a pillar of strength who instilled in her the values of perseverance and independence. Today, Mpho resides in Tembisa, Johannesburg, where she manages her thriving business, Tribe Shed Management, and balances her roles as an actress, mother, and creative entrepreneur.
Mpho’s journey began with a passion for the arts, which led her to complete her matric at Tembisa Secondary School in 2012 and pursue a degree in Dramatic Arts at Tshwane University of Technology. As she navigated the entertainment industry, she recognized the struggles faced by South Africa’s creative talents—many lacked the business knowledge and support needed to fully harness their potential. This realization became the seed that grew into Tribe Shed Management.
“Tribe Shed is about assisting and elevating brands and talents so they can reach their full potential,” Mpho explains with palpable excitement. “We do this through administration, public relations, and digital marketing. What excites me most is the ability to help others transform their lives and live out their dreams—whether that’s my clients or my team. Watching that growth humbles and energizes me daily.”
The birth of Tribe Shed Management was inspired by Mpho’s decade-long experience in the entertainment industry. She had seen the challenges firsthand: immense talent hindered by the absence of proper business structures and digital integration. She understood that many creatives struggled with the administrative burdens of managing their careers. Mpho knew something had to change, so she built a business that would allow talents to focus on their creativity while her team took care of the rest.
But the path to building Tribe Shed wasn’t without its challenges. In the early days, Mpho struggled to clearly communicate her vision to her partners. “It was all clear in my mind, but I couldn’t express it in a way that everyone could understand,” she recalls. This communication breakdown led to parting ways with her partners just six months after starting the company. Finances were another obstacle. Mpho and her business partner bootstrapped the business from scratch, relying solely on their skills with little capital to scale.
Despite these hurdles, Mpho was determined to build a solid foundation. She embraced the lessons from her mistakes, refined her communication, and developed strategies to bring in clients. Slowly but steadily, Tribe Shed Management grew. “It taught me resilience and the importance of having a clear vision backed by strategic planning,” Mpho reflects. “Now, our systems are stronger, and our revenue is more stable. It’s been a journey, but I wouldn’t change it.”
Mpho’s leadership of Tribe Shed is grounded in her core values: empowerment, collaboration, communication, and integrity. Empowerment, she says, is central to everything they do. Whether it’s upskilling her team or giving clients the tools they need to succeed, Mpho is dedicated to fostering growth. Collaboration comes next—she believes no one can achieve success alone. Open communication keeps the team aligned and connected with clients, while integrity ensures that Tribe Shed operates with honesty and transparency.
Balancing creativity and business strategy is an art that Mpho has mastered. While her creative background fuels innovation, she ensures that every project is rooted in clear goals and strategic planning. “Creativity inspires and leads, but business strategy keeps us focused and results-driven,” Mpho explains.
Looking ahead, the future for Tribe Shed Management is bright. Mpho is excited about their growing relationships with other agencies, both locally and internationally, which will expand their reach and elevate more talents. A significant milestone on the horizon is Tribe Shed’s partnership with the Behind-the-Scenes Awards, a ceremony that celebrates the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. Additionally, exciting projects with their roster of artists, including collaborations with international platforms and new music releases, are set to further solidify Tribe Shed’s impact.
Mpho’s journey as a creative entrepreneur has also taught her the importance of diversifying income streams. Beyond Tribe Shed, she has ventured into beauty, wellness, and other businesses. “Having multiple streams of income is essential,” she advises. “It allows you to remain financially stable and gives you the freedom to innovate.”
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Mpho offers this advice: “Stay true to your creative vision, but ensure you have a strong business foundation. Know your ‘why,’ embrace mistakes, and keep learning. Creativity needs strategy, and with patience and perseverance, you’ll build something meaningful.”
As Tribe Shed continues to grow, Mpho’s unwavering belief in the power of creativity and her commitment to uplifting others serve as the driving force behind her success. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the transformative potential of combining creativity with business acumen.