Johannesburg - Antoinette Slabbert launched the Active English franchise in Vereeniging and has recently been recognised by the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa) as one of the industry's top entrepreneurs.
Fin24.com chatted to Slabbert to find out how she overcame the difficulties of launching her brand outside a big city environment.
Have you always wanted to go into business for yourself? What's the appeal?
No, not really. But then, when my children were small and I knew that they had to be fully bilingual, I started looking around for English lessons for them. I could not find anyone, so I decided here was an opportunity for me to work from home, become financially independent and be with my children.
Tell us a bit about your history.
It all started in 1993: I studied with Montessori and then set about creating and writing an educational programme that was academically sound but, above all, fun. My aim was for children to attend lessons because they wanted to, and not because they had to. My friends heard about this and soon I was teaching about 10 pre-schoolers. Two years later there were 165 students.
I started visiting nursery schools and moved to a bigger house, where I set up a large classroom for grade ones to high school students.
In 2003 the franchising wheels were set in motion. Today there are 10 franchisees and one tutoring agent. I still manage to teach 153 children a week and my assistant tutors visit nursery schools and teach 90 children each week.
What has been your greatest business achievement to date? Why does it stand out for you?
My greatest business achievement has been the award I received from Fasa recently. As one of the three finalists it was a great honour for me to be recognised among the big names in franchising. It felt like I was receiving an Oscar!
What's the most important business lesson you've learnt since going into business for yourself?
Do not always trust people to deliver their best. It was - and still is - difficult for me to be assertive, but I now realise that in business you need to be in control at all times.
Any particular skills you wish you had gained before you struck out on your own?
Marketing and computer skills.
Any business person you particularly admire and why?
Raymond Ackerman. I once read an article in which he said the following: "Starting a company takes 90% guts and 10% capital.
"A reputation for honesty is a valuable asset. A wise entrepreneur waits until the company can comfortably afford it before increasing his own earnings." The Pick n Pay brand is an example of and a testimony to his success.
Any advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Work hard, go the extra mile, offer something special. Always deliver on your promises, do each task with energy and strive for perfection.
Remember that actions do speak louder than words.
How has your business grown over the last few years?
The business has grown steadily over the years. It is important that I can say all my franchisees are doing well; my first franchisee has just renewed her five-year contract for another five years.
What inspires you to get out of bed in the morning?
The fact that I have an absolute passion for what I do - the positive energy I receive from the children every day makes me happy.
The business environment at the moment looks quite tough. Any practical advice you would give to entrepreneurs running a business in this climate?
Always remember that there is no excuse for bad service. Make sure you are totally involved in your business on all levels.
Sometimes business owners are not even aware of what their employees are up to. Your mission should be to offer the best service in your field in your area.
Make sure you know exactly how much money is coming into the business and how much you are spending. Strive to keep your overheads as low as possible without compromising on quality.
- Fin24.com