Startup Stories
Gladys Kgorane is a visionary entrepreneur and woman of faith, driven by a deep desire to create spaces of healing, rest, and joyful connection. As the founder of Caleb’s Farm Cabins in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she has transformed a quiet piece of land into a peaceful farm destination offering accommodation, events, and wellness retreats. Rooted in purpose and inspired by the Biblical story of Caleb, Gladys is passionate about helping others find peace, celebrate life’s moments, and rediscover hope through nature and hospitality.
LoA spoke to the passion-driven and hospitality-focused founder, Gladys Kgorane, to learn more about her business and her vision for its future growth.
What does your company do?
Caleb’s Farm Cabins is a farm-style retreat and events destination in Potchefstroom, South Africa, launched in 2024 and offering peaceful accommodation, a beautiful multi-purpose events venue, and healing experiences for individuals, families, and small groups.
We provide:
Farm Cabin Stays – Comfortable, countryside accommodation for rest and relaxation.
Event Hosting – A 9x18m venue ideal for birthdays, intimate weddings, workshops, and retreats.
Wellness & Healing Stays – Specially curated experiences for people going through difficult life transitions.
Kiddies’ Party Experiences – Nature-themed parties in a fun, safe farm environment.
Our mission is to help people rest, heal, and celebrate life’s moments—all in one nurturing space surrounded by nature and faith-filled hospitality.
“My journey as an entrepreneur started with faith, a quiet dream, and a piece of land that looked ordinary to others—but I saw something more. I saw restoration, joy, and possibility.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired by a deep longing to create a peaceful space—a place where people could come to rest, reflect, and find healing. Life can be overwhelming, and I’ve seen how much people need quiet, beauty, and support during life’s hardest seasons.
The story of Caleb in the Bible also stirred something within me. He waited patiently and faithfully for his promised land, and when he finally received it, he didn’t keep it for himself—he claimed it with courage and vision. That message stayed with me.
I wanted to create a space that felt like a promised land for others too—a farm where families can reconnect, children can play freely, and individuals can find peace after life’s storms.
Caleb’s Farm Cabins is more than a business—it’s a calling to serve others through nature, hospitality, and faith.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Caleb’s Farm Cabins is more than just a place to stay or host an event—it’s a place of healing, peace, and purpose. What sets us apart is the heart behind the experience. Every cabin, every tree planted, and every event hosted is done with care, prayer, and a desire to create something meaningful. We welcome people not just as guests, but as souls in need of rest, joy, or connection.
We offer:
A faith-filled, farm-style environment that brings comfort and simplicity
A rare combination of accommodation and events in one beautiful natural setting
Personalized touches and warm, heart-led hospitality
A mission to serve families, children, and individuals going through tough seasons
Whether someone is celebrating, grieving, or simply needing space to breathe—Caleb’s Farm Cabins is a gentle, welcoming place to land.
“I was inspired by a deep longing to create a peaceful space—a place where people could come to rest, reflect, and find healing. Life can be overwhelming, and I’ve seen how much people need quiet, beauty, and support during life’s hardest seasons.”
Tell us a little about your team
Fatima is our House Keeper, Kagiso is our Chef/Driver, Geoffrey is our farm manager, and Gladys is the Manager.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My journey as an entrepreneur started with faith, a quiet dream, and a piece of land that looked ordinary to others—but I saw something more. I saw restoration, joy, and possibility. I didn’t have everything figured out. I just knew I had to start. I built the first cabin with hope, trusting that the right people would come. And they did. Some came to celebrate, some to rest, some to heal. Every story reminded me why I started.
There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and long days where the vision felt too big—but I held onto the promise that small beginnings can lead to great things, just like Caleb believed when he claimed his mountain.
Today, I stand with gratitude, not only for what’s been built, but for the lives touched. I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about serving, trusting, and building something that speaks life into others.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
At Caleb’s Farm Cabins, our vision continues to grow. In the future, we plan to expand our offerings and deepen our impact by:
🌿 Launching a Wellness Retreat Centre
A dedicated space for emotional healing, grief support, and spiritual renewal—offering guided programs, quiet spaces, and outdoor therapy areas.
🛁 Developing an Outdoor Spa Experience
Nature-inspired relaxation spaces with soaking tubs, massage spots, and wellness treatments surrounded by farm beauty.
🎉 Building a Themed Kiddies’ Party Zone
A safe, playful area for unforgettable children’s celebrations with creative farm-themed settings, play structures, and activity corners.
🛖 Adding More Family Cabins
To host more guests, including larger families and group retreats, while maintaining the peaceful and personal feel of the space.
📈 Hosting Signature Events and Retreats
Seasonal gatherings like “Spring Fruity Fiesta,” women’s renewal days, and family farm weekends to build community and inspire joy.
🤝 Creating Jobs & Partnerships
Growing the team, training local youth, and collaborating with wellness professionals, caterers, and creatives who share our vision.
These plans reflect our heart: to make Caleb’s Farm Cabins a haven of rest, growth, and celebration—not just in Potchefstroom, but as a model of hope for other communities too.
“Our mission is to help people rest, heal, and celebrate life’s moments—all in one nurturing space surrounded by nature and faith-filled hospitality.”
“When a tired guest finds peace in one of the cabins, or a family makes joyful memories at a party, or someone says, “I needed this space”—I know the vision is alive.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
What fills my heart the most is seeing lives touched through something I built with my own hands and faith. When a tired guest finds peace in one of the cabins, or a family makes joyful memories at a party, or someone says, “I needed this space”—I know the vision is alive.
It's deeply fulfilling to know that I’m not just running a business—I’m creating a safe, beautiful place where people can rest, heal, and feel seen. I love watching children laugh in nature, seeing a retreat guest leave lighter, or hearing someone say, “This place brought me back to myself.”
And beyond that, it’s the ability to dream freely, grow something meaningful, and uplift others—especially in my community. That’s what makes all the hard days worth it.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
To every woman with a dream in her heart—start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just begin. Trust the vision God gave you, even if others don’t see it yet.
There will be challenges. There will be doubt. But don’t let fear silence your purpose. You were created to build, to lead, to nurture, and to rise.
Surround yourself with people who believe in your calling. Stay rooted in faith. And remember: small steps, taken consistently, will carry you to great places.
You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Just be willing, brave, and obedient. Your story matters—and your dream can make room for someone else’s healing too.
Find out more
Email: maglad45@gmail.com
Website: http://www.calebsfarmcabins.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calebsfarmcabinssa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebs_farm?igsh=ZXYzaXI1cHJqczFv&utm_source=qr
Why LoA loves it…
Finding your ‘why’ as an entrepreneur is always key to success, but even more so when that ‘why’ is driven by passion to contribute something positive in the lives of other people. Gladys Kgorane, founder of Caleb’s Farm Cabins, has found her ‘why’ in creating a peaceful hospitality retreat for those looking for rest and relaxation from life’s daily stresses and strains. In the quiet countryside she has created welcoming spaces for individuals and families to find tranquility in nature. It’s a genuine breath of fresh air for her guests. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa