Angela Alderton Business Development

I was lucky enough to have a great mentor, and to be exposed to many things in businessLindiwe Bhadi < Back Lindiwe Bhadi Administration Manager, BusinessFit SA Lindiwe Bhadi holds the position of administration manager at BusinessFit SA. Lindiwe grew up in a small township in KwaZulu- Natal called Lamontville. She reflects that while she would not say that she was poor when she grew up, she was not as fortunate as many other children were. After Lindiwe completed her matric certificate, her family could not afford to pay for her university studies. So, said Lindiwe, “I got myself a job as a cleaner; I was a cleaner for 18 months. What motivated me the most was that I knew I wanted to do better in life. I knew it wasn’t the end of me being a cleaner.” Fortunately, during this time Lindiwe got the oppor- tunity to study through a learnership that was in marketing and sales. “I knew I wasn’t the right person for a career in marketing and sales. I will say that I can’t sell anything,” says Lindiwe with a laugh. So, I had to think what I would love to become in life. I went to on to study through Unisa and I successfully completed my studies in a business administration course.” While completing the learnership programme, Lindiwe encountered David White, a businessman. David became Lindiwe’s mentor and was instrumental in motivating her to further her education and business career. Lindiwe explained, “Through David White, I have been exposed to the business environment. He has pushed me to believe in myself and he has pushed me to be where I am today. He has exposed me to so many things in business. With his knowledge and through observing him, I think I am also now capable to assist other people in their businesses.” In addition, working closely with customers has inspired Lindiwe to learn more about the corporate environment. “Through BusinessFit, I have met people with different passions and visions about their future. This keeps me inspired to continue working closely with people who want to make a change in South Africa.” Building on her business experience, Lindiwe has also completed a certificate in national customer management as a customer relationship practitioner. Some of the challenges that Lindiwe has faced in her career relate to encountering everything in the business environment as novel experiences. Lindiwe commented, “I wasn’t exposed to the business environment, so everything was new. I had to learn everything about the business world. I had to learn to communicate with people. There were a lot of things to learn. I had to understand the business that I was working in. I had to learn a lot about human resources services because that is what we do at our company. Over the years. I’ve learned a lot of things about businesses.” However, Lindiwe explains that this experience has enabled her to help mentor other young learners to navigate their own business journeys on the way to success. She said, “Sometimes we get students and currently we have a young lady who has joined us for a learning programme to gain work experience. I am now more involved in those projects and I’m the one who takes the learners through the journey of getting to know and understand the working environment.” Reflecting on her future goals Lindiwe said that she would like to pursue her studies more. “I was thinking of doing bookkeeping because I am in the administration and accounts department, so I would like to further my studies even more,” she explained. As previously mentioned, Lindiwe said that she was lucky enough to have a great mentor, and to be exposed to many things in business. This experience has allowed Lindiwe to make a difference in her workplace and she believes that she will be able to offer this knowledge to young entrepreneurs in the future. “Through the kind of exposure that I have obtained I think I’m also capable of assisting startup business to help them move forward and this is something I aspire towards,” commented Lindiwe. The advice that Lindiwe would give to young women out there is to not give up. She explains, “I hope my story inspires you to keep on believing in yourself. Don’t give up. Keep pushing for the dream you have in your mind. The life that you want to live is possible if you continue to push for your goals.” “Being part of this Top Business Women initiative for KwaZulu-Natal business women is marvelous for me. I never imagined that my story would be recognised, and I feel honoured to be part of this big, amazing initiative,” concluded Lindiwe. When she is not at work, Lindiwe takes care of a son as a single mom and enjoys listening to music and reading in her spare time. She says, “What I do to relax. I love dancing, so if I’m not at work, I play a lot of music that I enjoy and I dance.” tors can see your newest content on your live site.

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Fatima Moolla Centre Manager SmartXchange Port Shepstone We need to develop our young people to meet the needs of their generation and of the future, to create positive change Fatima Moolla

I was told that you can’t do this, it’s impossible or you’re not good enough – that made me work harder and encouraged me to achieve more.Isabeau Du Preez < Back Isabeau Du Preez Owner and Founder, Dolphin Coast Solar Solutions Isabeau Du Preez, is the owner and founder of Dolphin Coast Solar Solutions. From humble beginnings in Ballito, Isabeau has recently expanded her business’s reach far north and far south, even extending her influence to Cape Town. Speaking of her motivation to start the company she says, “I started the company because I like to find solutions. “Obviously we’re all in the same position with load shedding. We all have the same problems and I’m there to help you to find a solution. And for me, it’s not just about putting a system on your roof.” Of note, Isabeau strives to educate her clients and is there to help them achieve their goals. In addition, Isabeau is inspired to make a difference, not just only in her community, but globally as well. She believes that as solar energy is clean and sustainable, its use can make a massive difference to our planet. Isabeau had training in solar installation and worked for a solar company for some time until she decided to go on her own. What sets her journey apart is that she started her company with no support. Isabeau simply decided, “I’m going to do this,” and she added that looking at her progress she has had an amazing experience so far and learnt a lot of lessons. Starting a business in a competitive male-dominated industry was never going to be easy. However, said Isabeau, she quickly started to build really good relationships and a really good clientele. In addition, as a mom, Isabeau had to juggle the needs of her family and her work demands, which is never effortless. Her motivation to succeed was driven by the challenges she faced along the way. Isabeau commented, “My motivation came from a different background. It wasn’t an education. It wasn’t anything like that. It was actually because so many times I was told that you can’t do this, it’s impossible. Or I was told you don’t belong in something like this. I was broken down at a stage.” However, Isabeau continued along her journey and achieved great results. She said that she thought the biggest challenge for her was getting her name out there and winning the trust of people. Much of this process entailed, “Making sure that they know that I’m not here to just sell them something that they don’t need,” explained Isabeau. The field of solar technology is complex, and Isabeau’s approach involves educating her clients about products, their warranties, and the importance of choosing the right solution – which may not be the cheapest. It’s about offering comprehensive, sustainable energy solutions and guiding her clients to make an informed choice. “Research, ask questions and educate. That’s what I do,” said Isabeau. Isabeau’s journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about breaking through the glass ceiling and inspiring others to do the same. She added, “I literally see the business as my baby, and I have grown with my business. I’ve built connections with my clients and it’s a very rewarding job to have.” Isabeau believes that in the world of business, one will always be faced with difficulties and setbacks. “There’s not always a book that tells you the solution to the problem. It’s just for you to figure it out, and then again move forward,” she explained. To overcome some of the mental challenges, Isabeau uses running to destress and refocus. A noteworthy achievement for Isabeau is that Dolphin Coast Solar Solutions has recently been voted as Best of Ballito in solar installations. This was in less than a year of operating, as a startup company and a female owner. However, Isabeau’s accomplishments extend beyond the business. She has built invaluable relationships and connections with her clients, which go beyond a typical business-customer relationship. Many of her clients still call her for a catch up, which she really enjoys. Isabeau added, “We talk about my background and my story and where I come from.” These interactions she explains have developed into a motivational story and Isabeau has been invited to give motivational talks as a consequence. Isabeau thinks that every single day is an achievement because she says, “you’re moving forward.” Isabeau’s vision for the future is as dynamic as her journey has been so far. She aspires to expand her business further, setting her sights on Cape Town, where demand for her services has already started to take root. Her ambitions aren’t confined to business alone; she also wants to uplift and empower more women in the industry. In advising other women, she says that through her story she would like them to know that there’s no limit to what they can do. She explains, “I have achieved what I was told was not possible and yet here I am. My advice for women following in my path would be to have confidence; build yourself up, get a good network, and a good support system including family, friends, and peers.” She added, “Obviously we will always be faced with difficulties. You have to have the confidence and you have to build resilience just to bounce back when there’s failures. You cannot avoid them, but it’s how you handle them. Also just have fun and enjoy what you do. It’s your passion and you can do it.” Being part of KZN Top Business Women is really an amazing experience, said Isabeau, and means a lot to her. She added, “When I made the decision that I’m going to start my own company, when I decided to take that leap of faith, it was worth it.” Isabeau concluded that she is now ‘picking the fruits’ and that she is very blessed.

We all need to play our part in making positive social, environmental and economic changes by supporting local and ethical producers < Back Donna Barnard Business Owner and Founder of Greenheart Organics Pty Ltd and Organic Farmer, Member of PGSSA / Greenpeace Activist Donna Barnard has over a decade of business experience, which was gained through the start-up and running of Console Care, a home-based nursing agency. Currently, Donna has found herself in an entirely different arena with a growing passion for organic food and farming. In 2017, Donna embarked on an entrepreneurial journey and centred Greenheart Organics, which is a one stop organic food store, around a vision that started with the simple purpose of sourcing chemical and pesticide free food for her children, family, friends, and community. Fundamental to Greenheart Organics is sustainable living and food sovereignty, which is an ethos set in stone. She explains, “I have always believed that health is one’s greatest wealth and so the business has evolved around a natural journey to wellness. I went in search of organic food for my own personal preference and for my family’s wellbeing. The more I searched and the more I researched, the more I realised just how difficult it was to find bona fide organic and additive free food, and so for me the business was born out of necessity really.” A new role as a farmer The demand for organic food has grown steadily bringing Donna varied challenges from packing orders until the early hours of the morning, to building an ecommerce website. More recently, she has been arriving home covered in black jacks, boots caked in dirt, while attempting a new role as a farmer. One of Donna’s biggest challenges has been to source and maintain a consistent supply of organic produce. In addition, small scale farmers face many issues and despite their best efforts, yields are often low. In an effort to overcome supply challenges, Donna has recently taken on a small-scale farmstead. She adds, “I would now say that farming has become the greatest challenge of all, with worms at top of the list! I don’t think farming is something I was born to do, but it has been an incredibly fun learning experience and I can honestly say that I love what I do. At the end of the day, the challenges are so worth it when I know exactly where my food has come from, and I can say, I grew that!” Supporting local, reducing waste, and activating for change Greenheart Organics’ grass roots ethos is to support local, to reduce waste, and to gain momentum in the organic and wholefood movement. Currently, the company is enjoying much growth and has tripled their customer following over the last year. The present focus is on expanding their plant-based range of products and increasing their network of small-scale producers. “We source ethical products and suppliers with clean ingredients. No nasties are allowed, which means no GMOs (genetically modified organisms), no pesticides, no routine antibiotics or hormones, colourants, or artificial additives are allowed. Our strict criteria ensures that our suppliers source quality, raw ingredients and engage in sustainable practices. Farmers must also engage in ethical and humane treatment of animals.” In order to reduce waste, Greenheart Organics has introduced a deposit and re-use rebate system as well as certified compostable packaging for all of their fresh produce. This means that customers are rewarded when they return their empty, used, plastic waste to Greenheart Organics, which then gets refilled, reused, or recycled. For example, remember the milk bottle exchange system from way back then, well its back and its better! Fresh farm milk gets delivered in glass bottles, which just tastes better for a start. Customers then return their empty glass bottles from the previous week, and they receive a rebate for the return. Customers may also return boxes, crates and any empty plastic container bought from the Greenheart Organics’ store for a rebate on their account. “So,” says Donna, “We actually pay customers to return their waste to us! Customers are actively participating in this waste reduction drive, which has been a huge success. This is the first waste free initiative of its kind in KZN, which is very exciting for us!” “We also advocate organic and sustainable living by being active members of a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) South Africa, which inspires local supply chains and organic growing methods. Greenheart Organics is the first PGS group in KZN to introduce an organic assurance system into the KZN marketplace. The group is basically a network of organic farmers who monitor and mentor each other and this has really helped to overcome many farming and supply challenges. The group audits farms on a biannual basis to ensure that organic standards are being met and are well maintained. In addition, they aim to ensure for social justice in that fair labour practice and fair pricing are audit criterias. On a personal level, Donna has recently become a Greenpeace activist and aims to campaign against the growing food sovereignty crisis. She explains, “We all have the right to choose what food to eat, where it comes from and how it is grown. We are at a pivotal point in our fight against climate change and conscious consumerism is key. We all need to play our part in making positive social, environmental and economic changes by supporting local and ethical producers and engaging in sustainable living practices.” Follow your passion Donna’s motivation to pursue her vision has been provided by her family. “I wanted my children to grow up understanding the importance of clean nutrition and biodiversity conservation. My husband has always been my rock. He patiently picks up the pieces every time the going gets tough and reminds me to count my blessings and persevere.” In reflecting on the advice that she would give to young women with a vision, Donna said, “Follow your passion and do what you love. Inevitably the rest will follow.”