Kiba Bam: I am fulfilling my passion of empowering young people to unleash their potential
[bctt tweet=”Kiba Bam: When l started l had limited technology and resources but l was a woman on a mission.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] The size of Africa’s hair market is just mind- blowing. The demand for human hair is increasing by the day and from this we have seen the increase in the supply of this contemporary ‘ladies’ essential’. We have with us CEO of HAIREXPRESS Premium, Kiba Bam sharing her entrepreneurial experience. Born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa, Kiba’s heart of entrepreneurship was kindled at the age of 9 when she was working in her parent’s shop. This exposure forced her to think on her feet and be mature enough to handle the business’ finances. The young lady then moved to Johannesburg to study Clothing Management and from then she was in the retail industry for 9 years. From learning the dynamics of the industry Kiba had sparks of interest to tap into the undiscovered potential in beauty retail. This led to the birthing of her human hair distributing retailer and custom wig making company. When did you “charter” HAIREXPRESS? HAIREXPRESS premium opened for its first day of business in August 2015. I started the business by myself in my parents’ house, working from my bedroom. The business retails human hair bundles, custom makes wigs and is a distributor to salons. When I started I had very limited technology and resources but I was a woman on a mission. Results and progress is all I cared about. I started the company because this was a dream God gave to me. l believe I started at the right time because everything was just flowing and HAIREXPRESS came together. Initially, I never had funds to start the business but as I said things just worked out for good. I got pregnant and the company l was working for in Joburg started retrenching staff. I was due to give birth to my daughter and decided it would be done in Cape Town where my family is. In the midst of my maternity leave I got a call to say l was getting laid off. Funny enough there was no panic in my spirit because consciously I did not intend to go back to Johannesburg. This call then meant I would get a retrenchment package of R50k, it came and l invested part of this money into buying my first stock. The rest is history as they say. What successful ideas have you implemented to boost your business? Re-working my marketing plan was the best thing I could have done for the brand. As we know without customers there is no business. We went for a total brand revamp. Before I explain what we did, I want to share why we did it. The reason was we identified our niche target market and we also studied our competitors closely and capitalized on their weaknesses. It’s not enough to have just good hair. We created a lifestyle around the brand. We wanted our clients to desire to be identified with the brand, for it to be a personal thing for them. To love the hair and the woman behind the brand. Since we have taken this leap clients have been rolling in and we are being noticed by a few media houses for interviews which is great. So publicity tick, customers tick. [bctt tweet=”Re-working my marketing plan was the best thing I could have done for the brand” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Based on your experience, is it better to cut staff or use less expensive products to reduce salon costs? The best is to possibly reduce the hours of staff but not cut on staff as your people are an asset to the business. The pleasant thing about our business is that the staff rent for space from our premises so it’s a win-win situation. Bringing in labour when it’s most needed and having contractual staff instead of permanent staff. I don’t have the opportunity to use less expensive products because I sell and distribute a premium product. My brand is everything. My integrity is all I have in the industry and I can allow bad publicity over bad quality. It’s not the HAIREXPRESS premium way. How do you think your start-up story will motivate other African women out there to start their own business? It will motivate them because I honestly started something from nothing. We have a very clever God! All He requires from you is willingness. I was willing and hungry to be the CEO of my own multi-national. I’m not there yet but I started and now I’m working my plan. My strategy is in motion. I want to motivate other woman and say money should not stop you from starting because I didn’t have money. I got retrenched at my old office job. Things worked out, they always do. Endure the beginning stages. They are painful but well worth seeing the growth and change. [bctt tweet=”Money didn’t stop Kiba Bam from launching HAIREXPRESS premium @kibabam” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Women need to forget about the noise and focus on their purpose in life. Being the It girl, best dressed, wife to a rich guy is not an achievement. If that’s what you want then great, own it but what I know is we all have dreams given to us by God. Take a leap and just try and try everyday to move closer to the dream. Women need to understand that they are natural born leaders. We are naturally organized and think things through. We always have a plan A- Z. That already is the mind of an entrepreneur. What is the best thing about being an entrepreneur? Being able to transfer your knowledge to other young entrepreneurs and colleagues in the entrepreneurial space. This is a long road that needs focus and determination. The best thing about the journey for me is to see the strategy coming together. I started alone and now I have a very savvy smart business manager who is
Sithembile Ndlovu: I’m fulfilled when I see a smile on a child’s face
[bctt tweet=”Life trials inspired the dream, while growing up there were always funerals at home” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Sithembile Ndlovu is a qualified Child and Youth Care Practitioner and a young Social Entrepreneur from Dassenhoek in Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is a co-founder of Sithuthukile PreSchool and Eliny’ithuba NPO in KwaNdengezi near Pinetown. Sithembile is future-oriented and passionate about developing, restoring, advocating for as well as educating children and youth at risk. She hopes to make the world a place where women and children are safe from sexual violence. This is because she herself has been a victim of sexual violence and has experienced some of the darkest moments of her life. This did not break her, instead it motivated her to help others who have gone through similar situations as well as ensure that the same doesn’t happen to others. Read about how she tirelessly works towards fighting new HIV infections, political liberty and advancing youth leadership skills by volunteering her time to a range of organisations. Has helping the youth and children always been your dream? While growing up I dreamed of being a psychologist, I always wanted to help people but I was not specific about the age group. What inspired this dream? Life trials inspired the dream while growing up there were always funerals at home. I was born in a family of six; my parents, myself and three siblings. Unfortunately, all my siblings passed away before I even turned 10 years old and from then onwards I became the only child with no brother or sister to help me through life. In my early 20s I was sexually and violently abused and I almost lost my life. My life was falling apart and I was in and out of hospital throughout 2011. I was infected with TB and in June 2012 I lost my mother through diabetes. Life was difficult in a way that I had to be booked for counselling sessions at the Open Door Crisis Centre in Pinetown for a while. While attending these sessions I was introduced into a group of young girls who were going through similar situations. In my early 20s I was sexually and violently abused and I almost lost my life. My life was falling apart and I was in and out of hospital throughout 2011. I was infected with TB and in June 2012 I lost my mother through diabetes. Life was difficult in a way that I had to be booked for counselling sessions at the Open Door Crisis Centre in Pinetown for a while. While attending these sessions I was introduced into a group of young girls who were going through similar situations. After hearing their different stories week after week I knew I had to do something about it. It broke my heart to realise how much trauma children, youth, and women go through with all the abuse and inequality happening in South Africa. From then onwards I wanted to make a difference, to change lives and to advocate for the rights of women and children. I then decided to go back to University and study Child and Youth Development. [bctt tweet=”It broke my heart to realise how much trauma women go thru with the abuse & inequality in SA” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What would you like to see change in the world that would make the lives African woman better? I would like to see a change in people’s perspective about the strength of a woman. Women are taken for granted in many spheres of life resulting in gender inequality. I would like to see female excellence rising all around the world, with no gender-based violence and cruelty against women and children. I would like to live in an Africa where the peace and the security of women is a priority for everyone. [bctt tweet=”Women are taken for granted in many spheres of life resulting in gender inequality @OwakhoNdlovu ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Tell me more about your involvement with Progressive Youth Africa, SADC youth network, and the Ethekwini Youth sector. Progressive Youth Africa is championed by proactive youth in the pursuit of political liberty in Africa. it is present in all 54 countries in the African continent and each country has one ambassador who then acts as a President for their country platform. I was selected as an ambassador for South Africa in 2016 and my role is to assemble highly courageous youth capable of pioneering change for a prosperous South Africa. So far I have gathered 45 young great minds from different provinces in South Africa who are undertaking amazing initiatives in their respective communities. We formed the SADC Youth Network during the YALI regional leadership centre program in South Africa in February 2016 with fellow YALI alumni with an aim to collaborate ideas to deal with social issues facing the youth in the Southern Africa region. We want to increase youth participation and representation at high-level meetings; to identify and bridge the gaps in policies and to allow the youth to participate in the formulation of policies, and to be a platform where we can discuss regional integration issues on both national and international levels. We have managed to influence more than 500 innovative young people in the Southern Africa region to join our network. I joined the Ethekwini Youth Centre after the 21st International Aids conference in Durban by invitation. I am involved in the provincial youth initiative that encourages young people to work together in order to implement the resolutions of the conference to stop HIV transmission by 2030. Particularly in Kwa-Zulu Natal as we have the highest percentage of transmission of people below the age of 35. What are your roles in these organisations? I help youth-led organisations professionalise their work by sharing my expertise and experience. I assist in reviewing business plans, funding proposals and offer mentorship to those in need. In addition, I advise and advertise available opportunities to young people and enhance self-development, I also recommend them to potential employers.
Koena Selolo: Every woman is a queen in her kingdom
[bctt tweet=”Kgošigadi aims to create accessories that befit every queen’s beauty – Koena Selolo” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Born out of a family of only girls and being the youngest, Koena Selelo had great inspiration from all women around her yet she had to find her own voice. Koena refers to herself as a queen in her own “kingdom”. She is a well oozing strength and courage; Koena has managed to rise against at all material cost and whatever failures she encountered. A servant at heart and passionate about women, Koena Selolo is the founder of Kgosigadi, an accessories brand. Tell us about Kgosigadi, what does it mean in general? And what does it mean to you as its founder? Kgošigadi means a Queen in Sepedi because that’s what every woman is; a queen in their own “kingdom “. This is a brand that affirms every woman, reminding them to never leave their throne to be enslaved in another woman’s “kingdom”. I affirm this through their standard of life and preferences in how they wear their accessories. Kgošigadi therefore aims to create accessories that befit every queen’s beauty. Kgošigadi embraces every woman’s authenticity and her reign over her dominion.To me, that means I can empower women through mere accessories and acknowledging women from all walks of life. How did you become an accessory designer? I became an accessory designer from my love of making earrings from any clutter I found lying around at home. I am a creative at heart, so I would collect old buttons and wires, I also had a scrapbook and would sew my clothes etc. It was all part of my hobby. [bctt tweet=”Koena Selelo used buttons and copper wires to create her first sellable accessory range ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] In 2015, I made my first sellable accessory range from buttons and old copper wires and I have never stopped since. That has generated income to grow Kgošigadi as I never got funding or any capital to start. In that same year, I entered the university business pitch hosted by the The Hookup Dinner and I was a winner for Tshwane University of Technology. [bctt tweet=”My first sale generated income to grow Kgošigadi, I never got funding to start – Koena Selelo” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] I was then part of the top 3 start-ups competing with various universities in South Africa which has been a stimulus for my growth. My somewhat naive 22-year-old eyes were opened to the competitive world of business. What is your favourite part about being an accessory designer? My favourite part about being an accessory designer is seeing my customers happy with what I have made with love for them with my hands. That to me is fulfilling. Having them post beautiful pictures on social media of themselves wearing their Kgošigadi crowns, on its own shows that the Kgošigadi tribe is full of assertive women. One can’t say Kgošigadi without understanding the true power and strength that comes with being called Kgošigadi. How do you approach a new collection? Where do your ideas evolve from? I approach any new collection first by drawing and wandering around material shops for idea inspiration. It is also important that I keep my creative juices flowing and I do this through looking at what is trending. One has to keep bettering their craft and evolving as they grow. [bctt tweet=”Koena Selelo: One has to keep bettering their craft and evolving as they grow” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Do you have a favorite accessory designer that you admire? My favourite accessory designer is Ntozihle, whose work ethic I admire so much more than anything! I also admire the likes of Maria Mccloy and Koketso Mohlala —Ditsaladesigns. I draw a lot of inspiration from different accessory designers, even the informal ones whom I admire for reasons such as their resilience etc. How do you define luxury? Luxury is something expensive and extravagant one can live without but can afford live with it. Would you say you’re a realist or fantasist? I am a realist and fantasist because in my world the two can co-exist if a balance is maintained. One can’t live on reality alone, one also needs to believe in the unseen. That is what faith and dreams are for. Just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t happen!I believe dreams are wings that one can I believe dreams are wings that one can fly, with them one can reach the unthinkable and unimaginable. What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life My most valuable lesson is from a Bible scripture in Joshua 1:8 that says; “Be bold and courageous”. This scripture has been the anchor that has kept me from being washed by the waves. It helped me maintain my authenticity in this business and has made has bold as a lion. When my parents still had not yet bought the whole idea of Kgošigadi out of loving concern and security, I had to be courageous —even though my courage might sometimes be interpreted as rebellion! What would you choose; lipstick or lip gloss? I’m a lipstick lady. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Lebohang Monyatsi: The first South African woman in a wheelchair to be a runway model
[bctt tweet=”The fashion industry ignores diversity and inclusion – Lebohang Manyatsi” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] “The main goal is to break the stereotypes associated with people with disabilities in the fashion/entertainment industry and to pave the way for those to follow and succeed me.” Those words come from Lebohang Monyatsi, the first South African woman in a wheelchair to be a runway model. Lebohang was born and raised in North West Province, in a small town called Vryburg. She is recognized for representing her country in the field of Wheelchair Basketball. Lebohang is extremely passionate about the needs of children, disability inclusion and accessible features for all. Tell us about your journey as a model, what made you fall in love with modelling? I have always loved modeling. As a teenager, I did mostly pageants, but at some point, I gave up. This is because the fashion industry especially in South Africa, ignores diversity and inclusion. In SA, and other parts of Africa, many people have a belief that people who are differently abled are only good for office work or sport. I intend on making people see that we are capable of doing other things. We have other abilities beyond sports activities and office work. I wanted to embark on this from a young age but couldn’t because of lack of opportunities for people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. [bctt tweet=”Lebohang Manyatsi: I am work in progress and on the hunt for who I am yet to become” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What kept you going? “Be the change you wish to see”, that quote keeps me going. I believe that whatever change you wish to see in the world, you should be the first one to act on it, lead by example. As the first South African runway model to do so in a wheelchair, I believe my work speaks a lot of volumes. What are your goals as a model? My goals as a model are to do international modelling, to inspire/be a role model -especially to those who think “it’s not possible”. In addition to those two, I want to open doors for others to follow and surpass me. [bctt tweet=”Lebohang Manyatsi want to open doors for others with disabilities to follow and surpass her” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What have been your greatest accomplishments so far? So far my greatest achievement is being a finalist for Face Of The Globe and of course modelling at Soweto Fashion week which appeared on Selimathunzi. Also, modelling at Maboneng Fashion week and GeeJunction Fashion show. How do you define success? For me, success means being very happy and content with what you do. [bctt tweet=”Success means being very happy and content with what you do – Lebohang Manyatsi” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What do you think needs to be done to make the fashion/entertainment industry friendlier to disabled people? People want to see diversity in the fashion/entertainment industry. The industry needs to keep this in mind and actively work towards being inclusive and diverse at all time. What is your motto in life? Be happy with what you have but never give up on what you want. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Vuyi Zondi: How I turned my natural beauty hobby into a thriving business
[bctt tweet=”Management consultant Vuyi Zondi started making skincare elixirs for herself and close friends” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Vuyi Zondi is a Management Consultant by profession with experience in strategy consulting to optimize business performance. She is also Founder of Corium Naturals. The spark for her to venture into the natural beauty space started as a hobby, where Corium Naturals was born, an area in which she had an organic interest in. Vuyi had started making skincare elixirs for herself and close friends as a past time. She received good feedback, which encouraged her to start offering these products for money. Vuyi spent a considerable amount of time researching natural skincare and traditional skincare practices of African and Indian people. This is how Corium was born. Vuyi shares with SLA contributor, Anelisa Kasper, her journey in starting Corium Naturals. What was the spark that lead you down the natural beauty industry to start Corium Naturals? Organic interest in beauty and personal care and a generally experimental nature. I love all things relating to personal beauty and the interest was born of that. Are you highly involved in the making of your skincare products? Was it fairly easy to learn the skill? What have been the benefits and challenges of making the products yourself (if you still make them yourself)? Yes I am. I have partners who supply the raw materials and whose guidance we rely on, and who have “trained” us in some areas, such as the new addition of ECOCERT certified preservatives. The products are largely hand crafted and only the black soap is received already fully made from our partner in Ghana. The products are not complex to make. The challenge that we have faced with hand crafted cosmetics is batching; you have to get the measurements and batching identical so that the end user satisfaction is uniform. When we experience a bad batch, it results to wastage therefore we take the utmost pride in making sure that the products are of the best quality achievable. How do you ensure that your products are safe for your customers to use? Our partners provide Certificate of Analysis of the raw inputs and testing dates, as well as expiry dates. Our partners carry SOIL, ECOCERT, FDA and BCS Oeko-Garantie certification and registration. They have the labs and resources which test everything and declare it safe for cosmetic use. This is a highly important part of the business. The shea butter and African black soap are received from Ghana and our supplier is part of the Global Shea Alliance and adheres to Fair Trade principles. You started Corium Naturals while having a full-time profession, how has the journey been from when you started your own business and to where it is now? Has the corporate/start-up balance been smooth? I would still say that I have not perfected the balance and I probably will never feel that it is perfect. However, it works for me –as a professional and business owner. My profession is to assist businesses optimize their performance and to solve business problems. Entrepreneurship is also defined as solving a problem for the consumer. In my head, I see the two easily complementing each other. It isn’t smooth at all times, but what I learn from one, I can transfer to the other. It is a tough journey, and I am not sleeping enough. However, the journey is rewarding. [bctt tweet=”Vuyi Zondi: What I learn from my corporate job, I can transfer to my start-up” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Where do you see Corium Naturals in the next year, or two years? How do you plan to grow it? I would like to see Corium listed in more stores –we have just entered our first listing at Plush Luxury Concept Store in Braamfontein. I want Corium products to be ECOCERT certified in their formal form, rather than the certification of the separate input ingredients. Maintaining the fast growth of Corium Naturals is a great achievement, what keeps you going to ensure that it becomes an empire and who are your biggest cheerleaders that motivate you to keep going? The fast growth of Corium has taken myself and the team by surprise. It has been exponential. That puts us under pressure because we have to perform to that standard and keep the magic formula. What we have done really well is our marketing strategy, especially on digital platforms. What keeps me going is my strong hunger for achievement and my own private ambitions. I also have a great network of friends and supportive family. They are so supportive. [bctt tweet=”What keeps Vuyi Zondi going is her strong hunger for achievement” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What advice would you give to women looking to venture into the natural beauty space? Do your research, read up from credible sources. Reach out to the suppliers of raw materials because they have a wealth of knowledge and guidance. Become a sponge, always soaking in new knowledge and new learnings. Do your market research and find out what the market wants. Corium has grown from the online shop, to being stocked at a physical store in Johannesburg. Please tell us where SLA readers can get hold of your products, the different kinds of products you stock and where the physical store can be found. We have soap, cleansers, serums, facial masks, and body butters. All of these are available on our online store, and our best sellers are found at Plush Luxury Concept Store, 38 Melle Street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Want to see women you know featured on SLA? Tell us what amazing things women are doing in your communities here.
Ronelle Steenekamp: Be aware that everywhere can be a learning space
[bctt tweet=”Ronelle Steenekamp: I am just a woman who doesn’t over think & pursue what is in my heart” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Ronelle Steenekamp works in consulting and training but what keeps her motivated is not passion but her sons. As am a mother to two interesting and independent boys, Ronelle keeps motivated, inspired and challenged in many ways. The start-up RSA Consulting breaks boundaries in the workplace through transformation. They design learning programs for employees, advise organizations on learning and development projects and help companies to carry out more effective learning interventions. RSA Consulting also aims to support businesses in designing, delivering and evaluating learning. While building her start-up, Ronelle doesn’t joke with finding time for herself and being in her own space. Self-care is on the top of her list of priorities. With the boys, studies and a business Ronelle Steenekamp still manages to make time for friends and family. What learning techniques have you found are the best to maximise learning? The best learning techniques starts with the acknowledgement that you can learn from anyone, any time. We need to be aware that everywhere can be a learning space full of information, knowledge and lessons learnt. One does not only learn from experts. What are the mindsets that you believe need to be changed in organisations? Why? We need to change the mindset having your own business is incredibly hard and that it is for people more intelligent, more creative, more experienced etc. Yes, having your own business has it’s challenges, but so does working 9-5. If you have a challenge, you also have the solution. If we are going to believe it is so difficult and impossible —it is going to be just that. You might as well just enjoy the journey, bumps and all. [bctt tweet=”One does not only learn from experts – Ronelle Steenekamp” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You mentioned your sons motivate you. You’re also a divorced single mother, how have you managed to over the challenges of this? I remember making the decision to leave my great job that was comfortable and secure. Then I quickly started to doubt and told myself —Are you crazy?, you are a single mother, two boys, a bond and vehicle to pay. This was a good reason to rather stay in my job and not take the big risk into being an entrepreneur. My kids was a enough reason to stay in a secure job rather than take a risk, right? Wrong! They were the reason why I had to JUMP and pursue my dreams. The challenges I experienced are no different to anyone who takes a big leap of faith. However, I overcome them by knowing that if I have the challenge, I have the solution. Do you have a motto that keeps you through? My personal favourite motto is; Pray then slay. Before pursuing interests, goals and objectives, I pray. Thereafter I boldly pursue with positive energy and confidence; that’s the slaying part. [bctt tweet=”The motto that keeps Ronelle Steenekamp going is, pray then slay!” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Let’s talk about RSA Consulting, what plans have you got brewing for this business? I have plans to expand and have a greater presence nationally and also on the rest of the African continent. Collaborations are key drivers to achieving this! What can we expect from you and RSA Consulting in the next three years? In the next 3 years we want build a stronger foundation. It is important that we spend more time securing the base in order for the building blocks to stand when storms come. This can be done by focusing and maximising the strengths of the organisation. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Lauren Jacobs: Forget perfection, embrace what you have to give
[bctt tweet=”Published author, ordained minister and gender equality activist Lauren Jacobs inspires us” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Lauren Jacobs identifies herself as a woman, a sister, daughter, wife, leader and child of God. These markets combine in her passion which lies in empowering women to see their lives as full of possibilities and as a landscape for dreams. Lauren is an activist committed to speaking about issues such as domestic violence in faith communities. She is also a story teller, researcher, author, journalist and an ordained minister in full time ministry with her husband. How do you define storyteller? When I close my eyes, and picture a storyteller, I am immediately transformed out in to the African landscape. A circle of men and women gather around the blazing fire and the storyteller completes the circle, up on her feet. She tells the stories of generations passed, the ones entrusted to her to hand down. She tells the stories that encourage, that teach, that rhyme and that are complex in its riddles and songs. In many different cultures and tribes, the storyteller is essential to the survival of the community. Many different cultural and religious groups rely on oral storytelling to stay unified and connected to the past. For me personally, I love telling stories that are factual, historical fiction, poems that reflect truth or true life stories that teach us about ourselves and those around me. To be a storyteller for me, means that I am telling the stories that can change mindsets and set us free, and keep us connected to the hidden stories of the past that carry deep meaning for our present wanderings. [bctt tweet=”To be a storyteller means telling the stories that can change mindsets – Lauren Jacobs ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What do you think makes a good storyteller? I think different people would answer this question differently, depending on what they are looking for in a story. For me, I love stories that teach me something. I gravitate towards storytellers that make me feel something, with their language, their wording and even their silences. The kind of storyteller that draws me in and I am lost, coming out of the story as though I had encountered a little slice of heaven on this side of earth. That’s a good storyteller! What led you to embark on this path of standing up for justice again gender violence in faith communities? I saw abuse in my family growing up and I saw it around me as a child. In the lives of friends, at school and in the lives of family members. Gender-based violence with its injustice must have sat deeply inside of me. When I was just 14 years old, I told my mom that one day I wanted to build a safe house for abused women and children. As I grew older I met survivors of abuse and when I enrolled at university, I started a B.A degree in English and Psychology. I went on to do my master’s degree in counselling and I specialized in Gender–based violence in South Africa. For me, I feel that our faith communities should be places of refuge and safety, but in essence they are often the opposite. Religious leaders do not know how to overcome abuse or how to empower victims. I have it in my heart to help them, to empower them to be vessels of healing and hope, instead of vessels of secondary trauma and victimization. I believe this is part of my God design, the way He made me, to pursue justice and stand up against violence. [bctt tweet=”I never saw myself as a minister, I wanted to be a psychologist & researcher – Lauren Jacobs” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Can you tell us about your journey to become an ordained minister? I never saw myself as a minister. When I met my husband, he was studying to be a pastor and was already knee deep in the work of pastoring at a community church. He always knew that was his calling, I just wanted to be a psychologist and a researcher, helping the community and aiding healing. The year before we were married however, we started up a ministry together, I wrote and did community work and he preached. I was happy to be in the background of the ministry, until God called me forward, which was a shock! Then, I knew I had to be ordained and take a more active role as a speaker and teacher, in the ministry. I was ordained in 2013 and am so thankful I was. Our ministry has a big outreach heart and we have been blessed to travel and minister. I have also been blessed to have more opportunities to help communities through my role as a religious leader. How can women discover their unique identities? Firstly, I always say go back to the innocence of your childhood dreams. What did you desire to do as a child? What was your innocent dream, before the world came and told you that money or position was important? Was it painting, dancing, writing, acting, directing others, helping, shelving books? Sometimes, a big part of your identity and your “sweet spot” can be found when you rediscover what you longed for as a child. What do you enjoy and what makes you unhappy, and weary? Some people love working in an environment buzzing with people, others love being solitary, that’s part of your unique design. Invest in a hobby, something that you can lose yourself in, take a course and discover a different part of yourself. Pray, there is no better way to discover who you were created to be, than by going back to the Creator. We each have an individual stamp on us, that only the Manufacturer can understand. To be fully alive, means we need redemption within, it’s the simplest way to discover the true you. [bctt tweet=”Your sweet spot can be found when you rediscover what you longed for as a
Ramadimetja Makgeru: Your business exists to please your audience
[bctt tweet=”Ramadimetja Makgeru’s interest in entrepreneur grew from her financial struggles as a student” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Born in the dusty village of Mohlaletse in sunny South Africa, Ramadimetja Makgeru —better known as Rami— is a simple girl who has always enjoyed serving others from a very young age. From winning awards for community service in primary school to being involved in various initiatives as a young adult, making a difference runs in her blood. As a financially struggling student at the University of Witwatersrand, Rami’s interest in entrepreneurship started. She started attending business seminars during her spare time to learn about the world of business and how she can start making money. Through these seminars, Rami met a lot of budding entrepreneurs and realized that they all faced a similar predicament —they lacked personal and business branding skills. Not just that, they also lacked basic financial skills to enable them to do business financials. That’s when she decided to assist start-ups with bookkeeping and tax as a freelancer. Rami eventually decided to invest time in learning about sales and marketing too. Later on, she then designed training material to train small businesses on sales under her company Competent Creations Agency (Pty) Ltd. The company was registered when Rami decided to make her services more accessible to make more money from the venture. It now has its own agents distributing products on behalf of other companies. Why do you think entrepreneurs lack knowledge on branding, bookkeeping and sales strategies? Entrepreneurs don’t utilize readily available resources that educate them on these subject matters, but in their defence, they don’t have the time to do so. Most entrepreneurs are usually knowledgeable in the field their product or service specializes in. Branding, bookkeeping and sales strategies come with trying to maintain a company to keep it running; something most people don’t consider before starting a venture. Per studies, there is a positive correlation between business failure and lack of marketing and sales skills. How can entrepreneurs improve their knowledge of this on the cheap? There is a lot of material available online on platforms like YouTube and even free online courses (MOOC’s). With the age of the internet, information is at your fingertips. Various organizations, like mine, organize seminars where entrepreneurs are educated on these subjects by industry experts. In what ways you do help businesses stand out at Competent Creations? We assist businesses with branding themselves; from the first steps of choosing a name, drafting a killer business plan and even the design of quality logos and websites. We believe that how third parties view/perceive you plays a huge role in determining how well you will perform as a business. [bctt tweet=”How 3rd parties view you plays a huge role in how well you will perform as a business” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What advice will you give to a recently launched start-up looking to re-brand? Go back to your business plan and see why you exist as an organization. How you brand yourself should reflect your reason for existence. Your audience should be kept in mind every step of the way because what they think of you is what matters most (you exist to please them). It is also important to get the opinion of an outsider, because the people you work with are too close to the current brand to be objective. Do you keep New Year resolutions? What will your goals be for 2017? I do not usually keep New Year Resolutions, but I plan to go vegetarian next year. I am planning a spiritual and body cleanse to connect with my inner self. My goals for 2017 include getting the company noticed. I would like to tap into the corporate market. This embodies a lot of networking and self-selling. I am excited for it! If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Randy Mampuru: Everything I do is fuelled by my personal vision
[bctt tweet=”From tourism to making furniture to working with kids, here is Randy Mampuru’s story” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] When Randy Mampuru completed her matric in 2010, she decided to take a gap year in 2011 because she wasn’t sure of what to study in university. When she found that being broke didn’t work for her, Randy got herself a job doing promotions. That is when she came across the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Business Skills and Entrepreneurial Development offered at UJ Soweto Campus. Randy did that for the rest of 2011, then enrolled with the Gauteng Travel Academy in 2012 for a certificate in tourism. In 2013, Randy was given the opportunity to be travel consultant at one of the biggest travel agencies in South Africa Travel with flair. She worked there for few months but didn’t like it so left to pursue her studies in project management. Then in 2014, while Randy was studying from home, she got into a furniture manufacturing business. Randy Mampuru started making pallet-inspired furniture from her mother’s back yard. The business grew, eventually making it to the furntech incubation centre where she was given space and machinery. It was around the same time Randy started Kidz Hub. After taking a gap year to decide what to study, why tourism? In high school I studied tourism as a subject, which is where I fell in love with it. During my gap year, I figured out that I wanted to travel the world. I needed to get into career that could allow me to travel, and tourism was industry that I had to get into in order to travel. What does self-employment mean to you? It means being able to work on my dream and vision; making it a reality while serving and helping people and making sure that the next generation’s future is successful. Tell us about Kidz Hub, what inspired Kidz Hub? Kidz Hub is an organisation that pays attention to kids personal development, while taking the academic route and a holistic approach. We are all about instilling life time skills practically and actively so. We save R2 everyday towards our writing utensils and books. Now think about it, a 7year old saving R2 everyday…there’s a lot that goes into that. When they put it upon themselves to save the R2,that’s commitment. It also shows consistency. They don’t buy snacks along the way and that’s sacrifice. Not forgetting that this kid is taking in leadership, initiative, responsibility while also learning the financial management skill. We identified that many kids didn’t have anyone assisting them with their homework. So we decided to create a space were kids can come in and do their homework. That space was first my mothers kitchen, we then moved to the garage where I build a table and benches since I was in the furniture manufacturing industry. Currently, we have three branches and 33 kids signed up. We are also receiving assistance from former matriculants and varsity students who come and help voluntarily. This is fuelled by my personal vision which is; “To see the work that I do, the contributions that I make and the purpose that I serve having lasting effect on humanity”. [bctt tweet=”Randy Mampuru wants to see that the work she does has a lasting effect on humanity ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Why kids? I love kids. Kids are very genuine, honest and free. They show so much life and they make one look forward to life. So I wanted to contribute towards their future to make sure they do not fall prey to what society portrays as how life should be. Do you feel kids should be sheltered from unhappiness? No I don’t think so. I feel that unhappiness is one of the feelings that will always be apart of our lives. It is triggered by failure and disappointment which are the two most important feelings that one goes through. Both feelings are necessary to recognising one’s abilities towards what they want to achieve, whether it is academic, personal or financial. What cheers you up? Gospel and house music, dancing, good food; basically good vibes. Who is your hero, why? My parents are my heroes. They are my heroes because of their tremendous support. I don’t think I would be where I am now if was not for their support. Want to see women you know featured on SLA? Tell us what amazing things women are doing in your communities here.
Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng: I envision a world where all people are at the centre of reproductive health agenda
[bctt tweet=” An advocate for reproductive justice, Dr T dedicates her time to realise her vision” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] As African women we know the struggles we face when it comes to accessing quality sexual and reproductive health services, especially if you are not privileged enough to afford private health care. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, also known as Dr T, is a young woman who is passionate about making such services available to all regardless of economic status –including those marginalised because of their sexual and gender identities. Dr T is a South African medical doctor, an activist, facilitator, speaker and columnist. Being a doctor has been her childhood dream. As soon as Dr Tlaleng knew what doctors did, she’s always wanted to be one. Now, Dr. T is a winner of the 2016 120 under 40: The New Generation of Family Planning Leaders and the Mail and Guardian 200 young South Africans in 2016. Who is Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng? I graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2007. As a student, I set up the first youth friendly clinic in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape as part of my rural community project under Lovelife. Currently I run a Reproductive Clinic in Sandton and serves as the vice-chairperson of the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition. I’m also a Medical Columnist at Sunday Times Newspaper, a Resident Doctor at Kaya FM, a facilitator and speaker. What made you choose sexual reproductive health? Sexual and reproductive health chose me. I had the first real inclination that I would work in this field during community service year; while I was working in the West Rand clinics in Johannesburg. I had many patients, often young women who consulted with me for medical issues and somehow they would end up opening up to me regarding their sexual health and relationship issues. It was very rewarding and I think the process was organic in that it is the patients who found me receptive enough to share their experiences. I remember one of the days when I had more patients waiting for me in the parking lot than inside the hospital, to talk about sex and ask questions. [bctt tweet=”Sexual and reproductive health chose me – Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What is the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition all about? The Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition, is a civil society organization made up individuals, academics, researchers, activists, service providers etc. We believe in, and are creating, a future informed by an intersectional sexual and reproductive justice perspective. Equality, dignity and bodily integrity to inform services, information and resources and options that are provided to all including marginalised sexual and gender identities. Tell us about your experience at the Johns Hopkins University and being in the top 120 under 40? The trip to the USA was an amazing trip. I am one of 40 winners and one of 10 invited to the USA to receive the award in person. I spent time in Baltimore, Washington and New York. The time at Johns Hopkins was really special as we attended a lecture by Professor Mosley, who is one of the top rated lecturers at Johns Hopkins. What impact would you like to make in your field? I envision a world where all people regardless of gender, orientation, geography, disability or economic status are at the centre of reproductive health agenda and service provision. As an advocate for reproductive justice, I dedicate my time and expertise to ensure that this vision becomes a reality. What are some of the day to day challenges of your job and how do you overcome them? The main thing is physical and mental exhaustion, one has to be emotionally present for all your patients. Sometimes one goes from a therapy session, to doing procedures followed by consultations. By the nature of the field, many people have really emotional stories and experiences and it can be exhausting but also rewarding, especially on a busy day. It is for this reason that debriefing and self-care is of the most importance for one’s own emotional and psychological wellbeing. [bctt tweet=” Self-care is very important for one’s emotional & psychological well being- @drtlaleng” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] How do you stay inspired? The struggles are real and very personal. Our existence as black women is political and we can never switch off from the struggles of gender politics, racial oppression and the quest for economic freedom. The vision of a just world in which we as black women thrive and not just survive is further compromised because many women remain landless and unable to have shelter and food security. The daily experiences of not only my patients but also of my own in navigating an unjust world keeps me inspired. [bctt tweet=”We can’t switch off the struggles of gender politics & racial oppression – @drtlaleng” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about being a successful career woman? I do not think you can ever prepare for all possibilities especially in business or regarding careers and people may try but they too cannot tell you all there is to know. I have been fortunate to have a mother who was a working mother and career driven as a result of her modelling I have had no issues or inner battles about family life versus commitment to my career. Is there anything that you would change about the career choices you have made? Not a single thing. I know for sure that I am in the right field. What is your advice to the young women out there that want to follow in your footsteps? Medical school is tough. You will break but you will rise and you will realise your dream. No matter what the world tells you, you are beautiful, you are intelligent and you were born with all the power and are deserving of a good life. You can catch Dr T on Kaya FM 95.5 Gauteng and Al-Jazeera channel 406 on DSTV.