Monday, April 07, 2025

From Web Design to Cannabis Tech: How Liam & Bruce Are Growing Something Big

 

As heard on Bush Radio 89.5 FM – The Morning Cruise

This past Friday, listeners of Bush Radio 89.5 FM’s Morning Cruise were introduced to two inspiring young minds from Cape Town who are planting seeds of change in the tech world. Meet Liam Hooton  and Bruce Kutinyu , co-founders of Lucky Bud—a local tech company helping businesses in the legal cannabis industry grow online.

Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose—and it all started right here in the Mother City.

Meet the Dream Team: Liam & Bruce

Liam and Bruce’s journey began in high school at Camps Bay. Although they were classmates, their paths didn’t fully align until after graduation—when they realized their skills and goals were the perfect match.

Bruce, originally from Zimbabwe but raised in SA since the age of three, is the outgoing one—full of energy, big ideas, and a natural at building relationships.
Liam is the behind-the-scenes strategist—quiet, focused, and skilled in tech and systems.

Together, they’re building a business that’s not only tech-savvy but community-focused and future-ready.

 Turning Setbacks into Setups

Before Lucky Bud, the duo tried their hand at three different web design ventures—all of which didn’t quite take off. But instead of giving up, they learned and adapted.

We saw each challenge as a lesson, not a failure,” Liam shared”

It’s that positive mindset that led them to identify a gap in the cannabis industry—where small, legal businesses needed help with branding, websites, and online presence. That’s when Lucky Bud was born.

 Rooted in Purpose

Entrepreneurship runs deep in both of their families: Liam grew up around small business owners—his mom and aunt taught him the value of hard work.
Bruce was inspired by his grandmother, a beloved market trader in Hout Bay, who always believed in the power of consistency and community. "Seeing ordinary people succeed showed us it’s possible,” Bruce said. "Success doesn’t come from where you start—it comes from how determined you are.”

 Embracing Tech, AI & The African Future

Liam and Bruce are strong believers in Africa’s potential—especially when it comes to technology and innovation.“AI isn’t something to fear—it’s something to learn from,” Liam explained. "Young people who learn to use it will be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Their advice? Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid of change. They hope to inspire more youth to build businesses that are smart, ethical, and future-focused.

What’s Next for Lucky Bud?

Right now, they’re focused on building their client base around Cape Town—especially within a 50km radius—but the big dream?We want to go global,” said Bruce. “We’re building systems now that can serve businesses across borders.” They see 2026 as their breakout year—with scalable platforms, new partnerships, and big goals on the horizon.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re 16 or 60, Liam and Bruce have simple, powerful advice for anyone starting out:

       Start now: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take that first step.

       Know your ‘why’: Your purpose will keep you going when things get tough.

       Work with others: The right team can make all the difference.

“You don’t have to do it all alone,” they said. “Great things are built together.”

 Stay Connected with Lucky Bud

Want to follow their journey?
 📸 Instagram:
@LuckyBudSA
 🌐 Website: www.luckybud.co.za
 🔗 LinkedIn: Look up Liam Hooton , Bruce Kutinyu, or Lucky Bud

Liam and Bruce left listeners with this empowering message: "You're guaranteed to miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Their journey is a powerful reminder that Cape Town’s future is full of potential—and it’s being shaped by passionate, community-minded entrepreneurs who believe in building a better tomorrow



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