Thimporeni was born in Angola in 1953, and came to Botswana as a refugee with her parents when she was 10 years old. Single, with no children, Thimporeni and one of her sisters are the sole providers in a family of six. Originally a farmer, she now weaves full-time as part of the Botswanacraft group of weavers.

The Mbukushu collect their raw materials in the surrounding countryside. Trips for collecting materials can take up to three days, and they do not eat for the duration of the trip because if you touch fire or prepare food before leaving it is believed that wild animals will eat you. The journey is solemn, as full concentration is required to avoid animals, so no one makes jokes.

Such superstitions were reinforced when a crocodile bit Thimporeni on one such trip! She now buys all her materials from people who do not mind going into the bush. A gifted weaver, Thimporeni specialises in weaving closed baskets, even though they take much longer to complete. She has won prizes for the larger works.