It is better to be a lonely Lion than a popular sheep.
African Proverb
My life journey is multi-tiered both in terms of real experiences, struggles and successes.
I have traveled far and wide as I will either find a way or make one.
I will focus on real experiences and the raw and unfiltered journeys that are certainly not crafted as a false narrative.
I do believe that one of my most defined characteristics is that I work because I love finding solutions that deliver a better life for me and for others.
As a solo entrepreneur it is often thought that you get more freedom but effectively you have to make many sacrifices.
The freedom of personal expression is what captivated me to start my own small business at a time in my life when I was affected by the bankruptcy of a private bank during the financial meltdown of the International Monetary System in 2008. Necessity was the driver not fame and fortune.
I had to save many clients financial turbulence during that time and despite the fact that I was a Chief Representative Officer for a Private Bank I experienced first hand what money can do to people’s lives.
The devastation was immense and people lost fortunes.
I don’t gamble.
So, my business is about functionality and beauty in your mind, body and soul in your sacred place, which is your home.
My passion has always been about being true to myself and others.
Aesthetic beauty in all forms is what I love.
I have always been independent and individualistic which cost me dearly in a corporate realm where being a sheep is easier.
The interesting part is that when you up your game and survive, loss of a Country, marriages, being uber feminine in a man’s World, being cosmopolitan and driven by your own spirit you gain the respect of those that matter.
There are so many fun moments in my journey like being scared of a little tree frog that was sleeping in the silver candelabra in my room at a luxury game reserve and having to call the game ranger.
Loneliness and fragility are also part of a female entrepreneur in business but I assure you that it was not that the reason why I called the handsome game ranger it was truly because I am scared of snakes.
The excitement of a breakthrough in a project led me to such a high that I watched the stars until dawn. Emotional rollercoasters are part of a new business venture with highs and also with lows in slow months and when you doubt yourself.
I hardly ever cooked or looked at pots and pans let alone kitchen sinks when I started curating sinks for a major retailer quoted on the SA Stock Exchange so I felt that perhaps I didn’t have the qualifications to deliver on my promises and felt slightly unqualified until I realised that in business numbers count. So, I talked numbers, measurements even if I didn’t own a measuring tape, margins, prices and return on investment against a competitive giant that exists in the market.
You are not an imposter if you understand the business realities of your client. I became part of them in the negotiation process. I am still part of them after many years as their appointed agent.
Time management is critical and you have to discipline yourself between the glamour of seeing clients and networking and doing what you have to in terms of administration to stay in business. It is your business you have to measure what you do.
Building and Nurturing Client Relationships is absolutely key. I make sure that I stay true to myself at every business meeting where structured and researched agendas are a major tool. Stay focused on offering solutions to your clients.
Going solo has many costs not least of all the stress of finances, missing events that are fun in order to invest in your business life and having to do your own marketing classical and digital all by yourself.
Work and Life Balance is not negotiable for me. So, Yoga, Walks with the dogs, delicious food and beautiful moments spent in nature are my best way to stay happy and in harmony.
Nature is healing.
Stay authentic and beautiful you are unique.
Talk soon.
This blog is about the first Commandment of Lifestyle content Thou Shall be Authentic.
TRADE ANTHOLOGY 