Jessica Govender

Jessica Govender, the owner of the 3@1 Business Centre Richards Bay, is a determined entrepreneur who has carved a niche for her business in a competitive market. “We specialise in a range of secretarial services,” she explains, listing photocopying, printing, laminating, and bookbinding among the many offerings. “We also cater to personalised needs with mug and T-shirt printing, as well as international and national courier services.” The business is part of a franchise network, with 3@1 Richards Bay being one of 85 stores across South Africa. “It’s a competitive landscape,” Jessica acknowledges, “and we have to constantly bring something new to the table to stay in the game.”

The journey to this point wasn’t straightforward. Jessica’s story begins in Brackenham, where she grew up and attended Richards Bay Secondary School before furthering her studies at Umfolozi College. She shared, “Growing up wasn’t easy, and life had its share of struggles. But I’m grateful for the hard work that has brought me here.” Her initial ambition was to venture into the engineering field, but she found herself drawn to the world of printing and copying. “I’m a creative person, and this industry has allowed me to channel that creativity in ways I hadn’t expected,” she explains. “It’s been a rewarding experience.”

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Jessica gained valuable experience working for 12 years, including a position at Bell Equipment, a well-known local company. “I enjoyed my time there, but I reached a point where I needed a change,” she recalls. “The idea of starting my own business had always been at the back of my mind.” It wasn’t a decision she made lightly, as she weighed the risks of launching a new venture. However, with her husband’s support, she decided to take the plunge. “He’s been a huge motivator throughout this journey,” she says. “His encouragement helped me push forward and take that leap of faith.”

Keep Pushing Forward
Family has always been a cornerstone of Jessica’s life, providing both inspiration and motivation. “My family has played a big role in getting me to where I am today,” she reflects. “My late brother Kelvin, my parents, Annie my aunt, and especially my husband have been incredibly supportive. They inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when things got tough.”

“My kids are my biggest inspiration,” she added. “I want them to see that, despite the challenges, their mum didn’t give up. I want them to look back one day and say, ‘Mum did it, and she did it well’.”

Running a business in a competitive field like printing has its challenges, especially in today’s digital age. “It’s difficult sometimes to convince people of the value of printed products when digital alternatives are so readily available,” Jessica admits. “Everyone has laptops and smartphones, and it’s easy to overlook the personal touch that print offers.” She believes in the enduring appeal of tangible keepsakes, like printed photo books. “A photo book isn’t just a collection of images; it’s a curated memory that you can hold, share, and pass down through generations,” she explains. “It’s different from having hundreds of photos on your phone that no one ever really looks at.”

The business offers large-format printing, which is in high demand for projects such as building plans. “Richards Bay is an area that’s constantly developing, with new construction projects underway all the time,” Jessica says. “We’ve had to adapt by providing competitive pricing and expanding our range of services to meet the needs of the community.” Despite the competition, Jessica’s approach to the business remains one of continuous innovation and customer-focused strategies. “We have to keep introducing new services and finding ways to make things easier for our customers,” she adds.

A Positive Impact
Jessica is committed to making a positive impact on her community. “Owning a business gives me the financial means to help others, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says. “Whether it’s supporting local charities or simply offering my services to individuals who need a hand, I want to make a difference.” Although her business is still in its early stages, she is optimistic about its potential for growth so that she can make an even bigger impact on the lives of those around them.

The path to success has not been without its hurdles. “There have been plenty of ups and downs,” Jessica admits. “The exchange rate can be unpredictable, which affects our courier services, and we’re constantly up against larger competitors.” Yet she sees these obstacles as opportunities for growth. “Failure is definitely a stepping stone to success,” she says. “It’s a way to find your own greatness. You can’t let setbacks define you. Instead, you have to learn from them and keep pushing forward.”

Jessica has a special message for young women who dream of becoming business owners: “Don’t give up on yourself,” she urges. “Dreams do come true, but you have to be willing to put in the hard work to make them a reality.”

As for the future, Jessica has big plans for her business. “I want to take 3@1 Richards Bay to greater heights,” she says. “I hope to open more stores and continue expanding our services.”

Jessica believes that the time she spends with her family helps her maintain a sense of balance and fulfilment in her life. “Family time is a priority, and we treasure those moments together. My daughter is 10, and my son is 13. It feels like just yesterday they were toddlers. We try to make the most of times with them because time flies, and before we know it, they’ll be moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Shopping is a bit of a guilty pleasure,” she adds with a laugh.

Jessica concludes, “The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it.”