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Cape Town - Entrepreneur Zimkhitha Mqutheni (31), saw a gap in the market for a fully black-owned PR agency and took the plunge in 2009 by starting Ukhanyiso Communications.
But it was only when she gave her full attention to her business that things really started to happen, the budding entrepreneur wrote to Fin24.
"My journey started in 2009 when I opened my own business. I started trading in 2010 part time and went full time towards the end of April in 2012," said Mqutheni.
"My first big client was the Western Cape Social Development Department, Eerste River District in 2010, which was a great achievement considering that I was still working full time.
"After quitting my full-time job a few months later, I was chosen for a Young Entrepreneurs Programme run by IBA Global which aim to develop young entrepreneurs from different industries.
"I left for Italy in June 2013 where I shadowed the owner of a company similar to mine, learning many tricks of the trade.
"I have recently employed two people and I am hoping to employ an accounts manager before the end of this year to take the load off of me so that I can focus on developing the business."
VIEW UKHANYISO COMMUNICATIONSGALLERY:
Fin24 caught up with Mqutheni to find out more:
When did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I think I have always known that I prefer working for myself and following my own path and vision. When I saw a gap in the creative market for a fully black-owned PR and Communications agency in the Western Cape, I grabbed the opportunity and opened Ukhanyiso Communications.
How did you fund your business?
At first I funded it with my salary as I was still working full time, but at some point I approached my mentor with my business plan, and she funded the business to just buy the necessities.
What challenges did you encounter when you first started?
Accessing the market is not easy, especially in Cape Town. One needs to be very patient. Cape Town is a very ''clique" city, with inner circles that can only be accessed by a few. But you cannot give up; you have to keep on knocking until someone notices you. The trick is to be consistent - people must know who are, so you need to make yourself visible at all time.
Did you face any particular challenges because you are a woman?
My industry is filled with women. I would say being a woman works on my favour in getting a meeting, but the challenge is in closing the deal, especially when it is with men, as some assume that your smile means something else other than just being polite.
What did you have learn the hard way?
Completely changing my life style and expectations. When you have a regular income, you become too comfortable and life is much easier and predictable. When your income depends on you, it is a totally different ball game. With regards to expectations, not everyone that knows you, will give you business - it does not matter how close you think you are. And not taking it personal. I've learned that God will open better doors than any man can shut.
What makes you successful as an entrepreneur?
Understanding what I am good at and sticking to it. Continuously re-inventing myself and allowing myself to continue learning and taking advice from those who have been in this game long before me.
What values do you live by as a person?
I am an extreme loyalist, I just can’t help myself - if you have done good and stood by me in the toughest of times, then you sure deserve my loyalty. My values are based on Godly principles and in that way nothing sways me, not even the hunger for success.
Who or what inspires you?
Fear of failure is number one on my list. I have always told myself that I have no other option but to succeed. Believe it or not, I inspire myself, inspiration has to come from within because once the outside world is shaken you cannot be shaken with it.
What mostly inspires me is where I come from and how far I have come. I hail from the rural Eastern Cape; a small town called Whittlesea and I continue to push myself to rise above circumstances.
How important is mentorship to you?
One client that has been there with me is Pick n Pay's Transformation Department, lead by Suzanne Ackerman-Berman. She saw a spark in me and did not hesitate to give me work when an opportunity presented itself. And her office continues to refer their small suppliers to me. For that I am grateful.
Do you have any books that shaped you?
There is one book that is very dear to my heart, 25 Speeches that changed the world by famous leaders. People who were very passionate about their own ideals and stood up for what they believed in. From the Sermon of the Mount by Jesus Christ, to Martin Luther King's I have a dream to Nelson Mandela's An idea I am prepared to die for (1964) and Free at last (1994).
Any advice for entrepreneurs who are still afraid of taking the leap?
Get into it because you love it, not because you are driven to make money. If you do what you love, money and accolades will follow. Plan your finances and make sure that at least in the first two years you will be okay financially because those will be the toughest years of your life.
Zimkhitha Mqutheni with Jonathan Jacobs at the Young Business Leaders Discussion Forum, Cape Town Chamber of Commerce.
Accolades and giving back
"In 2013 I was chosen amongst many entrepreneurs to be part of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme. 25 young entrepreneurs were jetted off to Europe to shadow seasoned entrepreneurs who own/run similar businesses.
"In addition to running my PR agency, I run a Young Business Leaders Discussion Forum which brings together young entrepreneurs, the Western Cape government, transformation and BEE managers, financial institutions that fund small business to discuss the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and how can the government create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
"In 2014 I was approached by one of the SIMODISA executive members to work on their PR strategy for the Get-up Start-up Conference. I only had two weeks to pull it off. That was such an exciting time for me as it dealt with a topic dear to me, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and policy makers.
"I worked with an incredible team of individuals and their platinum sponsor's PR was also a pleasure to work with.
"On 23 March 2015 I was awarded with the Ministerial Award at the Youth Excellence Awards hosted by the Western Cape Department of Social Development in Partnership with Impumelelo and University of Stellenbosch Business School. The recognition was for people who embody youth excellence and leadership in their own fields.
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