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Elma von Plaster. (Supplied)
Cape Town - Elma von Plaster van BP Stikland Auto in Bellville is a sterling example of how to succeed in a man's world.
No wonder she is a finalist in the Business Women's Association's (BWA) 2013 Business Woman of the Year Awards.
Elma grew up in Brandfort in the Free State and kicked off her career in the banking industry.
Later she joined the Dornier Wine Group in Stellenbosch and took a belated gap year working for Singita Private Game Reserve.
In 2009, she bought Stikland Auto and has been running it ever since.
In her free time she likes exploring Africa and doing photography. She shares her recipe for success.
Do you have any tips for women wanting to be successful in the business world?
Belong to the Businesswomen’s Forum, form partnerships within your industry and be prepared to listen and learn.
Do women still face certain challenges in the business/corporate world compared to their male counterparts?
I think there is still male domination in the business world (especially in Africa), but that should not stop women from doing good and solid business.
I have never claimed to be treated differently just because I am a woman. I demand to be taken seriously about my business.
How do you juggle everything on your plate?
I have an amazing life partner – Schalk. He is my friend, confidant and travel partner.
He understands the demands of having your own business. He gives me freedom, support and dries my tears.
The coolest thing is that he eats whatever is on his plate (I am a disaster in the kitchen and a keen supporter of any food entrepreneur).
I love spending time outdoors so I try not to work on weekends.
What is the job satisfaction you get?
Seeing people grow and be successful. Giving opportunities to people to excel, grow and move on.
Would you encourage young girls to pursue your type of career?
It is the most rewarding feeling working for yourself - whether in this industry or not - and it comes highly recommended.
Elma has formed a partnership with the Bloekombos High School in Kraaifontein where the matriculants can study through the W&R Seta Learnership Programme (driven through the Fuel Retailers Association) while being employed at her service station.
This grants them the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the industry and increase their chances of future advancement and employment in the industry.
- Fin24
* Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
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Ask the experts
No wonder she is a finalist in the Business Women's Association's (BWA) 2013 Business Woman of the Year Awards.
Elma grew up in Brandfort in the Free State and kicked off her career in the banking industry.
Later she joined the Dornier Wine Group in Stellenbosch and took a belated gap year working for Singita Private Game Reserve.
In 2009, she bought Stikland Auto and has been running it ever since.
In her free time she likes exploring Africa and doing photography. She shares her recipe for success.
Do you have any tips for women wanting to be successful in the business world?
Belong to the Businesswomen’s Forum, form partnerships within your industry and be prepared to listen and learn.
Do women still face certain challenges in the business/corporate world compared to their male counterparts?
I think there is still male domination in the business world (especially in Africa), but that should not stop women from doing good and solid business.
I have never claimed to be treated differently just because I am a woman. I demand to be taken seriously about my business.
How do you juggle everything on your plate?
I have an amazing life partner – Schalk. He is my friend, confidant and travel partner.
He understands the demands of having your own business. He gives me freedom, support and dries my tears.
The coolest thing is that he eats whatever is on his plate (I am a disaster in the kitchen and a keen supporter of any food entrepreneur).
I love spending time outdoors so I try not to work on weekends.
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What is the job satisfaction you get?
Seeing people grow and be successful. Giving opportunities to people to excel, grow and move on.
Would you encourage young girls to pursue your type of career?
It is the most rewarding feeling working for yourself - whether in this industry or not - and it comes highly recommended.
Elma has formed a partnership with the Bloekombos High School in Kraaifontein where the matriculants can study through the W&R Seta Learnership Programme (driven through the Fuel Retailers Association) while being employed at her service station.
This grants them the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the industry and increase their chances of future advancement and employment in the industry.
- Fin24
* Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
Write a guest post
Share your coping tips
Ask the experts
