The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I am working full time as an Education Assistant for Special Needs Children, something which I am also passionate about; however, this is the type of career where you definitely do it for the love of the children not the money. I felt that I needed something which supplemented my income to enhance my contribution to my family household.
I am happily married and have been for 19 years this year – together we have 4 full-of-energy boys, 3 of whom are in their teenage years and one of whom is in his last years of primary school. This alone is a full-time job with school trips, sports trainings and social lives.
Initially, I started out thinking that an online store would be the go, managing my side business from home after school and on the weekend, keeping overheads low. Boy was I wrong! Once started, it become abundantly clear that to have access to the good brands – those of which were not your run of the mill and located at every corner chemist or supermarket – I required a store front and visual to draw in new customers.
My husband and myself were lucky enough to own a bricks and mortar store front that was unused at this time, so I moved in and expanded my product range. You can now find me online and in store. This is something that I have not looked back from.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I would have to say that the biggest breakthrough for my business would have to be the introduction of my own skincare line and the launch of my own brand of eco-friendly “Kuloko Phia” beach towels, which is my initiative into making a change for our environment and providing an opportunity for consumers to feel good about their purchase and make a change themselves. With 8 million tons of plastic dumped into our oceans every year, our marine life is swallowing more plastic than ever – and it’s killing them. Our beach towel is made from Repet which is recycled plastic bottles collected from our oceans – 40 plastic bottles go into making 1 beach towel (100×160 cm), so that’s 40 plastic bottles stopped from entering our oceans. How amazing it that? One towel and you’re on your way to helping the future of our planet. This towel is a must for everyone who cares about saving our beautiful earth – even if it is 40 bottles from our ocean at a time. Not only are they made from recycled materials, they are super absorbent, sand free (leaving the environment where it should be), and a great space saver for those summer months.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
My husband would definitely say that I haven’t mastered this yet, however I believe that I have done this exceptionally well. I have found time to invest in something that I am passionate about, as well as enjoying time with the ones that I love – I am happier, more content and believe greatly that I am providing a future for my loved ones to enjoy extending this happiness to them eventually.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Working full time and finding time to relax and maintain my own wellbeing. Finding the perfect balance for this was definitely a challenge that I had to overcome. Initially this was hard but now that I have a more focused business plan and direct approach, and my brand is becoming more familiar, it’s easier as my business grows.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Definitely more pros than cons: a lot of time and effort has been extended to get me where I am today, but it is most definitely worth every minute. Money would have to be a big con – because if I had more of it, I would be able to make more of a change.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I don’t know, the possibilities are endless – I’d say stay tuned as big things are happening with this little business. I am passionate about doing all that I can to make a difference in this world and educate as many as I can, if we start making small changes now, hopefully, we can reverse some of the mess already made.
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