Tom Yetsenga (Sargood 2020-2024) and Lewis Yetsenga (Sargood House, 2017–2021) have taken their entrepreneurial spark from the classroom to their doorstep—literally. Inspired by the Year 10 enterprise class at St Paul’s Collegiate School, the brothers' business, Matra, began with a simple idea: turning knotting skills into functional, handcrafted products.

For Lewis, the enterprise course in 2018 was an opportunity to channel his creativity. Drawing on a childhood fascination with knots, Lewis formed L&Co Knots, creating hand-woven Manilla doormats—a product that quickly gained traction. The enterprise gained momentum quickly, with orders flowing steadily during his school years.

Lewis, a dedicated rower, and Tom, passionate about cricket and football, found their focus shifting away from the business and focusing on sport and the mats became forgotten. But, as Tom explains, the entrepreneurial instinct was still in their mind. He says, “When the pressure to be more independent began to build, the idea to revisit the business came naturally,” Tom reflects. And so, Matra was born—a two-man team with a simple yet impactful goal: to provide not just a functional product for the doorstep, but a stylish addition to any home. 

Now working together, Tom and Lewis balance the business alongside their other commitments—Tom is completing his final year at St Paul’s, and Lewis is establishing himself as a trained chef. The brothers create their doormats from their home in Rotorua, blending craftsmanship with practicality. They credit their time at St Paul’s, particularly the enterprise class, with sparking their interest in business.

“Being encouraged to think creatively and practically was invaluable,” Lewis reflects. “It’s been a journey of learning and growth, and the skills we developed at St Paul’s have stuck with us.”

Tom and Lewis produce the hand-woven Manilla doormats from their home in Rotorua. This summer, the Yetsenga brothers are looking forward to a season of weaving—not just mats but also their aspirations for the future. Their story highlights how the lessons and values instilled at St Paul’s continue to shape the paths of its Collegians well beyond the classroom.

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