Leading Ladies volume four

compiled by Laura Ruthven

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT "HAVE BEEN."T

GEORGE ELIOT
Glorinah Khutso Mabaso of Natasha Meyer Jardine of Zandile Mkwanazi
Renaissance Design Musc of GirlCode

Her Royal Highness Princess

Eurika Mogane – Jones of
Tharika Wellness Centre

WWWW.FEMALEENTREPRENEURSA.CO.ZA
“In whatever you do, you’re not going to stand out unless you think big and have ideas
that are truly original. That comes from tapping into your own creativity, not
obsessing over what everyone else is doing.”
Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal
 Note from Laura Ruthven

I just want to say a hearfelt thank you to the entrepreneurs that entrusted their
stories to me and contributing to volume four of Leading Ladies.

May you be inspired and motivated by their stories.

A life of an entrepreneur can often be lonely and you wonder whether swopping a 9
to 5 job to run your own business was worth it, as you often work longer hours and
dont have the safety net of a salary at the end of the month. People often say
entrepreneurs swopped their 9 to 5 jo for a 80 hour work week.

I hope you find the courage and strength from reading these stories to keep on
keeping on.

To onwards and upwards.

Much Love

Laura
Name of entrepreneur: Glorinah Khutso Mabaso
Name of business: Renaissance Design
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Phone Number: 081 547 2635
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: https://renaissancedesign.co.za/
Social Media Platforms:

1.What type of business do you run?

- I run a Pan-African multidisciplinary design company, which specializes in the conceptualising
and creation of modern ancient African inspired Patterns for various brands. I design coded
patterns using symbols influenced by my research of the continent’s heritage, then applied to
various products. Our services and collaborations have extended into the fields of Interior,
Fashion, Product design and custom design services for corporate & hospitality brands.

2. How long has your business been running for?

I Have been running Renaissance Design for 6years now and still growing.

3. What motivated you to start your own business?

·From 2016/2017 I started watching a lot of documentaries on the history channel, Curiosity channel
and on YouTube. Documentaries such as “The lost Kingdoms of Africa Art by historian Gus Casely-
Hayford”, “Africa’s great civilizations hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates. jnr” and the “History of Africa
with Zeinab Badawi”. These are some of the most influential sources that exposed me to the Africa I
had never seen or heard of, which completely pivoted my perspective and instantly prompted me to
create a Brand that could preserve these stories in physical form through pattern design and
products.

4. What steps did you take to get you going?

i started off designing patterns that I eventually placed under Fabric Bank (specializes in digital
fabric printing) and Robinsprong Wallpapers (digital wallpaper printing), as they had an existing
platform where artists and designers could build collections, have an opportunity for their work to be
specified for various commercial, hospitality, residential and corporate spaces. This also allowed the
artists to earn a commission and build portfolios whilst establishing themselves.

5. What would you say is the most effective way to raise awareness of your business and
bring in new clients?
- In the design industry its probably best to enter design competions , where a lot of foucus is
directed towards the profiling the designer and their work. Networking in the right circles (trade
shows decorex, launches etc) allows one to connect professionals in the industry. Ofcourse Social
media marketing and word of mouth is quite impactful too.

I don’t like to lose — at anything — yet I’ve grown most not from victories, but setbacks.
Serena Williams
6. What challenges did you face in your business and how did you overcome them? How did
Covid affect your business?
-Funding is probably the one challenge which limits and pro-longs the ability to grow. I use to work on
corporate projects , sometimes residential too as I am an Interior Designer by profession. I would then
use the funds to build the business. I had to learn how to network in order to build relationships, as
people do business with people they know. Another thing gaining business acumen which is important.
After being selected as one of the 4 Industry day (Nando’s hot young designers 2019), I was part of a
business incubation programme at Nando’s , which refined my understanding of the kind of business I
was running and how to maintain and grow it.

In 2023 I then became a part of the Cherie Blaire Road to Growth programme for Women at GIBS
(Gordon institute of business science). An amazing business programme that allowed wmen from all
walks of life to connect and exchange business skills, life experiences and motivate each other through
the journey of building our own legacies. I thoroughly enjoyed it and got to experience how empowered
women can plant back into society through their willingness to dream and elevate others.

7. Do you have habits /things that you do that set you up for success?
I believe that life is made up of opportunities that only arise when you are prepared. So I try my best to
always prepare myself for the goals that I have setup for Renaissance design. Writing goals down allows
you to breath life into them and further intentionally commit yourself to them.

8. How do you face a challenge?

Head on! Im not the running away type… I apply myself intellectually, emotionally and consult with any
professionals who have insight about my particular challenge and could impart their knowledge. I’m never
afraid to ask for help if the challenge is greater than my capabilities.

9. What was the most courageous thing you have done as an entrepreneur?
Definitely pitching to the Creation Africa panel , which included some respected and well known Cultural
& Creator sector professionals, the French Institute of France in South Africa (IFAS) and the Ambassador
of France TO South Africa (Mr David Martinon). When I got chosen to part of the Top 40, I challenged
myself to reach the Top 12…and I’m glad that I did. I noticed that my drive lies in the things that seem
impossible to attain. The harder the challenge , the more appealing it is to me.

10.What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
To be intentional about everything I invest my time into.

11. What does your typical day look like?

- Everyday is different as it depends on the project that I would focusing on . It start off with emails and
attending to all administrative work. Then I make phone calls if there is a need to. I would then work on a
few designs if I had already started them or begin the process of researching the theme in focus. I do
appreciate listening to indigenous sounds or harmonies when designing patterns that are inspired by
certain tribes as the music grounds me.
12. When things get tough who do you rely on for help or support?
-My family is my number 1 go to for any support at all times. I come from a close-knit family structure,
where we have become each other’s shoulder. My close friends are also very instrumental in that 2 out of
3 of them are in the design industry therefore making things easier to articulate when there are challenges
within my business not forgetting my Mentors..

13. What was the biggest lesson you learnt as an entrepreneur and why?
I had to learn to be patient, resilient and consistently persistent. Things do not happen overnight because
there are lessons and the process of refining that comes with time.

14.If you could go back in time to when you started, what would you tell yourself?
- That the road is long , has many challenges but requires me to be intentional. That I will have to shed all
my perceptions of what my future should like in order to begin a journey that will lead me to a future that
was crafted for me.

15. What is your favourite mantra or quote to get you through hard times or when things are not
going as planned?
- “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better” Dalai Lama

16. Name 5 books that you have read and that have impacted on your entrepreneurial journey.
- I read more heritage or history books than business books but working on it.
- The business book that I am half way is called ‘The book every entrepreneur has to read” , which shares
insight on the challenges and mistakes that start-ups make during the early stages of their journey.
Amendable, Vanishing cultures of South Africa, Bantwane all by legendary photographer and writer Mr
Peter Magubane. Then there is ‘Vanishing Africa’by Gianni Giansanti which delves into the continent’s
unknown or not so prominent tribes.

17. List 5 tools that have helped you in business? For example the Pomadero timer
- My phone
- Laptop
- Design Softwares
- Intergrated calendar
- My diary (Cant do without it)

18. When you have free time how do you like to spend it?
- I spend it with family and friends. I like my quiet time too and appreciate meditation and being in nature
,hiking when I can.

19. Which entrepreneur do you look up to in business and why?

- I look up to Nthabi Taukobong of Ditau Interiors an incredible Interior designer, author and speaker who
became one of the most prominent black designers in SA, really thriving in an industry that had very few to
none black women. She became one of the judges during my time on the reality show called ‘Win a home
on sabc 3’ in 2014. She made me realize that a girl from the township can conquer the world if she is
intentional about her dreams.

20. What made you go into this industry?

I grew up watching Top billing so my love for beautiful spaces and design grew from there. I then had to
change schools mid-high shool and was certain that I would take accounting as a main route but the
school could only accept my application if I took design as a subject. The decision was simple.
When we own our stories, we get to write a
brave new ending.
Brene Brown
Name of Lady: Drina Meyer-Jardine
Name of Company: MJSC (Pty) Ltd & MJSC Entreprenor Ltd (UK)
Position in company: Shareholder & Founder / CEO
How long have you worked for the company? Since 2017
Which position did you start in? CEO / Founder

How long have you worked in your current position? Since 2017 (7 Years)
Do you enjoy your current position? Extremely

Is there room for further advancement for you?

Yes there is

Do you think you are being well compensated or would a man be paid more than you?
A man would possibly get paid more as he would attract more clients faster. As a female, we need to
prove ourselves consistently before clients would agree to give us a chance.

What tertiary education qualified you for your current position?

BCom and LLB (Hons) with years of experience in my fields of expertise

What challenges do you face?

The world of male dominance and convincing people that women leaders are strong and resilient

What music or mantra gets you through a difficult day?

Upbeat and joyful music

What do you like most about your job?

The fact that we can support a business during the life cycle of growth. When a business is compliant
and starts growing due to the value we offer and provide.

What do you dislike about your job?

Having to make the difficult decisions and take actions for clients – labour matters.

Are you on social media in your professional capacity?

Yes I am on LinkedIn and Facebook
Social media handles: linkedin.com/in/drina-meyer-jardine-llb-hons-028b6b4b
https://www.facebook.com/drina.meyer/
You can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.
Embrace the different seasons in your career and
life.
Leah Busque
Name of entrepreneur: Her Royal Highness Princess Eurika Mogane – Jones
Name of business: Tharika M Health Wellness Centre
Location: 11 Sarel Cilliers Street Nelspruit 1200
Phone Number: undisclosed
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: https://tharikamhealthza.wordpress.com or
https://herroyalhighnessprincesseurikamogane.wordpress.com
Social Media Platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kgoshigadieurikamogane?mibextid=kFxxJD
Or @tharikamhealth

1.What type of business do you run?

We run a Health and Wellness Centre, aimed at offering Detoxing Services and Products with the aim of
helping to bring balance to the Spirit, Mind and Body. Our Wellness Centre serves as a one stop hub that
offers timely Pastoral Trauma Counselling, Detoxing Services (Colon Hydrotherapy) and DNA/ Genetic
Testing to help individuals build a more practical and highly effective Wellness Program.

2. How long has your business been running for?

We opened our doors in 2022,February.
3. What motivated you to start your own business?
I grew up with a dream of opening an office to just hear people out – especially those who felt
misunderstood. I also wanted to help answer the “Why?” questions about certain issues we face. That’s
when I was informed about Medical Sciences that would help unpack the Microbiology and Genetics of
our body – to get a deeper sense of knowing how most of our Physical and Mental Health issues can be
passed on from one generation to the next.
Having foundational background, I still wanted to find Natural Ways to help others to deal with Colorectal
issues, Digestive issues; while incorporating the uniqueness that is found from their Genetics to help
make every Wellness Journey special and personal.
I was the introduced to various Wellness Courses and Colon Hydrotherapy Treatments. I never looked
back since then and trusted the Lord for my own facility in which people would be allowed to express
themselves accordingly.

4. What steps did you take to get you going?

I applied for start-up Capital from various organizations and was unsuccessful. It was only when the
church stepped in and assisted me in funding the basic start-up costs for the facility.
We have been operating solely on day-to-day income to date. No working capital was there, but we
fought through.
Key steps I followed was:
1. Prayed and asked the Lord for wisdom to run the place
2. Ensuring that the equipment is state of the arts to ensure quality services.
3. Kept the basic principles of Entrepreneurship
4. Retention and Referrals was my focus
5. Investing in my own graphics and media skills to ensure there’s sufficient marketing.
6. Lastly, a strict policy on finances. I came in with zero expectations for a salary and that kept me
going. I did my best to keep debts to a minimal and only bought what I needed.
5. What would you say is the most effective way to raise awareness of your business and bring
in new clients?
The best way to raise awareness about the Wellness Centre was to ensure that I treated every
patient/client with utmost care and offered quality. That helped stir a sense of trust and these individuals
managed to refer their own families, friends and colleagues.
New clients feed off from what others who have experienced the services say. It was good news and
lots of testimonials. I would work on focusing on the 3 patients I had in a week, knowing that a year later
it would turn to 3 different families.

6. What challenges did you face in your business and how did you overcome them? How did
Covid affect your business?
Definitely not having Operating Capital was a major challenge. But having in house skills assisted me to
manage between offering the treatments, to being the receptionist, to being the cleaner and also being
the marketing and finance person. The more skills we acquire as entrepreneurs the better. You set a
blueprint of what you want when you finally grow enough to employ others.

During COVID, I was still doing practical’s. Fortunately only opened afterwards.

7. Do you have habits /things that you do that set you up for success?
Keep taking risks no matter what. Success is a constant trial and error that just needs someone who is
brave enough to venture out into anything. It’s either you’ll win or learn – we never lose.

8. How do you face a challenge?

I’m quite a technical thinker who wants to perceive from all possible angles when it comes to matters. I
also believe in asking those who are at a better advantage to find out how they pull through. Having a
Spiritual Leader and Counsellor– Apostle Peter Jones helped me a lot as well.

9. What was the most courageous thing you have done as an entrepreneur?
I believe starting is always going to be the most impressive thing to do in business – however the most
courageous is being able to stay consistent even when you feel like you’re failing.
Being practical and understanding that it takes a business roughly 5 years to be fully functional and
thriving, also helped me to stop over thinking and take things one day at a time.

10.What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Believe in what the Lord has placed in you, with the same enthusiasm you believe that He makes no
mistakes!” – Apostle Peter Jones
11. What does your typical day look like?
Enterpreneurs work 24/7 but I had to learn to introduce time out as well.
Normal Day:
* Morning Devotional
* Catchup on previous sessions and review new bookings
* Daily Bookkeeping and Cashups
* Follow up on speculums and other items needed for the Centre to be functional.
* Ensure cleanliness of premises and all items used per session
* Patient/client case reviews with staff
* Drafting Wellness Programme suited for each individual
* Catching up with Mentees
* Meditation time
* Design and Marketing session (Idea Generation)
* Sign-off and rest
* Resume Royal Family duties and Community Upliftment Engagements

12. When things get tough who do you rely on for help or support?
The Lord is my first and most important source of life and hope.
Followed by my Spiritual Leader – Apostle Peter Jones.

13. What was the biggest lesson you learnt as an entrepreneur and why?
Once you find the solution that you will be bringing for others out there, be sure to remain true to your
vision no matter what. Don’t be quick to sign partnerships or appoint people who are not passionate
about what you do – because they will force you to be less ethical just because you’re chasing the
bottom-line.

Rather wait and grow what you have. Be patient with yourself as well and don’t rush to buy fancy cars
and houses first. Priority should be building your brand and being trustworthy at all times. Give people
their money’s worth. Quality and excellence should always lead!

14.If you could go back in time to when you started, what would you tell yourself?
“You are on the right track, keep going! “

15. What is your favourite mantra or quote to get you through hard times or when things are not
going as planned?
“If the pen can convey the intended message, then don’t let the ink run out!”
16. Name 5 books that you have read and that have impacted on your entrepreneurial journey.
1. The Bible
2. Kings Novel Series – Apostle Peter Jones
3. Who Moved my Cheese
That’s it…

17. List 5 tools that have helped you in business? For example the Pomadero timer
1. Graphics Design Apps
2. Alison Online Learning
3. Spa and Wellness Association of Africa support
4. Cancer Association of South Africa (Colorectal Cancer Awareness)
5. Public Speaking opportunities

18. When you have free time how do you like to spend it?
Gaming.

19. Which entrepreneur do you look up to in business and why?

My partner. He helps me understand business in a unique way. He is more life-savvy and I noted
that it tends to bring more results than being just Book-savvy.
He is more of a risk taker and ventures out a lot, which yields amazing fruits. I used to be an
overthinker and not knowing when it’s the right time – until I took notes from him.

20. What made you go into this industry?

My passion for wanting to help people understand what they are feeling Spiritually, Mentally and
Physically. Growing up, individuals much older than me would easily open up their hearts and
share what they are facing. And I would know what to say. That’s when I knew it’s more than just
being an empath; it was my purpose. Till today, my hope is to continue to live up to my name
Eureka, an exclamation expressing that a solution has been found.

Supporting another’s success won’t ever dampen

yours.
Unknown
Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make
them.
Madam C.J. Walker
Name of entrepreneur: Zandile Mkwanazi
Name of business: GirlCode
Location: Midrand
Phone Number: 010-109-3148
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: www.girlcode.co.za
Social Media Platforms:
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlcode_za/
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlCodeZA
· Twitter: https://x.com/GirlCode_za
· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlcodeza?lang=en

1. What type of business do you run?

I lead a social enterprise called GirlCode, which is dedicated to empowering young girls and women
through technology education. We offer coding education, mentorship, and job placement assistance
to women, particularly to women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Founded in 2014 as a women-only
hackathon to address the inequality and gender gap in the tech space, GirlCode has since evolved into
an educational institution that equips women with advanced tech skills and supports their entry into the
industry. Our mission is to empower 10 million women and girls by 2030 by building a network of highly
skilled female software development and leaders, driving inclusivity and innovation in tech sector.

2. How long has your business been running for?

GirlCode has been running for 10 years since its inception in 2014.

3. What motivated you to start your own business?

The motivation behind starting GirlCode was deeply rooted in my own experiences as a young
graduate entering the tech industry. Seeing the stark gender disparity I wanted to create a supportive
platform that not only provided women a space where they could confidently demonstrate their skills
but also addressed the lack of representation and opportunities, particularly those from disadvantaged
backgrounds.

GirlCode focuses on empowering young girls and women through technology education by providing
coding courses, mentorship, and job placement assistance. Our goal is to equip women with valuable
skills that enhance their career prospects, while also tackling the critical issues of inequality in the tech
space.

I was once afraid of people saying, “Who does she

think she is?” Now, I have the courage to stand and
say, “This is who I am.”
Oprah Winfrey
4. What steps did you take to get you going?
I started with the GirlCode Hackathon to encourage female participation in technology, which was a
great success and soon grew into an annual hackathon. This initial step highlighted the need for
sustained efforts, leading to the establishment of coding clubs in schools and various skills programmes.
I leveraged partnerships with tech companies, secured funding, and built a dedicated team to expand
our initiatives.

5, What would you say is the most effective way to raise awareness of your business and bring
in new clients?
The most effective way to raise awareness is through social media and active participation in industry
events and conferences. We’ve successfully achieved this by showcasing success stories and the
impact of our programmes, which has helped us attract new clients and supporters.

6. .What challenges did you face in your business and how did you overcome them?
As a non-profit organisation, securing consistent funding has been a significant challenge. Our reliance
on donations and sponsorships has hindered growth, despite substantial support from the private sector.
To overcome this, we transitioned to a social enterprise model, aiming for sustainability and expanding
our reach to more beneficiaries. The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 further complicated our funding, with
many CSI funds being reduced or suspended. However, the crisis also underpinned the urgency of
upskilling for the future of work, which resonates with our mission.

Infrastructure has also been a challenge; many of our beneficiaries from public schools don’t have
access to personal computers at home and face high data costs, making eLearning difficult. To address
this, we’ve formed partnerships with fibre network operators (FNO) like Vuma. Through its Vuma Fibre
to Schools programme, the FNO has connected over 780 schools to free 1Gbps fibre broadband internet
in its operating regions. This connectivity allows us to run initiatives such as coding clubs and digital
skills workshops directly at these connected schools, enhancing the learning experience and expanding
access to technology for students. Currently, coding classes are limited to only a few schools in South
Africa, highlighting the importance of fibre connectivity in facilitating the use of digital technology and e-
learning platforms. We hope that broadband is expanded to more homes in underserved communities in
South Africa, providing equal access to information and opportunities, ultimately bridging the digital
divide.
Additionally, we partner with telecommunications companies to zero-rate our platform and collaborate with
corporates to donate second-hand laptops. These initiatives are crucial for improving access to our
programmes and ensuring that more young girls can benefit from our educational offerings.

7. Do you have habits /things that you do that set you up for success?
Yes, I prioritise continuous learning. Having started entrepreneurship at a young age, I recognised that
there are many skills and areas of knowledge I still need to develop. As a result, I aim to enrol in at least
one course each year that enhances my skills in areas like finance, governance, and business
management. Staying updated with industry trends and maintaining a strong network of mentors and
peers are also things I prioritise. I also set clear goals and regularly review progress to ensure we stay on
track.

8. How do you face a challenge?

I approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. I analyse the situation, seek input from my team
and mentors, and develop a strategic plan to address the issue. Persistence and adaptability are key to
overcoming obstacles.

9. What was the most courageous thing you have done as an entrepreneur?
The most courageous thing I have done was taking the leap to transition GirlCode from a hackathon event
to a full-fledged social enterprise. This involved securing significant funding, building a dedicated team,
and establishing long-term programmes to make a sustained impact. It meant leaving my secure job and
venturing into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. Now, after a decade of valuable lessons learned
and impactful work, I am preparing to take another leap of faith by moving into the next phase of my
entrepreneurial journey: launching a for-profit company. This new venture will allow me to further leverage
my experience and continue driving change in the tech industry.

10. What was the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have received is that you can't expect other people to fund your mission
forever. The most effective philanthropists often have their own companies that generate profits, allowing
them to decide what impact they want to have on the world with those profits. If you want to change the
world, you have to start by making money and creating wealth. This advice has guided my decision to
transition GirlCode from a non-profit to a social enterprise and has motivated me to pursue for-profit
ventures that will enable me to have a greater, self-sustaining impact.

11. What does your typical day look like?

A typical day for me is not as exciting as one might expect. As the CEO of GirlCode, my responsibility is to
ensure that we expand our reach and impact to as many girls as possible. So, a typical day is spent writing
proposals, reaching out to corporates and potential partners, and ensuring my team has all the resources
required to fulfil our mission of inspiring more young girls and women to enter the tech space.

Never forget how wildly capable you are.

Unknown
Being the CEO of a startup also means being able to tackle any task or work that arises within the
organisation. You must be a jack of all trades. This means that I am not only the CEO but also
occasionally take on roles such as Social Media Manager, HR, or finance depending on the
organisation’s needs. If we don’t have anyone with that skill set, then I have to step in to fill it.

12. When things get tough who do you rely on for help or support?
My support structure consists of my Co-Founder and my husband. With my Co-Founder, it's easier to
navigate challenges because she understands the struggles firsthand, being in it with me. We can lean
on each other and benefit from different perspectives on the same issues. My husband, on the other
hand, offers an objective viewpoint as someone outside the organisation. His support and confidence in
me provide the reassurance I need during tough times. Knowing that he supports me 100% allows me to
feel confident that we can overcome any challenge.

13. What was the biggest lesson you learnt as an entrepreneur and why?
The biggest lesson I've learned as an entrepreneur is the importance of being hands-on in the
beginning. As the Founder and CEO, you can't rely entirely on employees to execute tasks exactly as
you expect. It's crucial to verify everything to ensure consistent quality. While some might view this as
micromanaging, it's essential for maintaining the standards upon which your reputation and name
depend. Being deeply involved in the early stages allows you to set a strong foundation and ensure that
your vision is accurately realised.

14. If you could go back in time to when you started, what would you tell yourself?
I would tell myself to do as much as possible while I'm still young and have relatively few family
responsibilities. In your twenties, you have the time to take more risks and push yourself. Most
importantly, I would advise against starting a non-profit organisation right away. Instead, spend the next
ten years building wealth. By creating a strong financial foundation, you’ll have a greater impact and
more resources to support your mission in the long run.

15. What is your favourite mantra or quote to get you through hard times or when things are not
going as planned?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill.

16. Name 5 books that you have read and that have impacted on your entrepreneurial journey.
· Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
· The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically
Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
·Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins
·Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
·The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben
Horowitz
17. List 5 tools that have helped you in business. For example, the Pomadero timer
I am a big Zoho fan because it offers a range of business tools at very affordable prices, depending on
where you are on your business journey. I use Zoho CRM for managing client relationships, Zoho Social
for social media planning, Zoho Books for accounting and invoicing, and Zoho People for managing our
internal HR processes. Other than Zoho, I would say Discord is a great tool for growing and maintaining a
community.

18. When you have free time how do you like to spend it?
I don’t necessarily have traditional ‘free’ time, but I use my weekends primarily for family activities. I enjoy
spending time with my children and exploring different fun places that they can enjoy.

19. Which entrepreneur do you look up to in business and why?

I don’t have a single entrepreneur that I look up to. Instead, I follow various entrepreneurs, particularly
women, to gain insights and learn from their diverse journeys. I also recognise that each entrepreneur has
a unique path, so I focus on extracting lessons and strategies that resonate with my own experiences and
goals while appreciating that not every approach will be relevant to me.

20. What made you go into this industry?

While I initially envisioned a career in banking as a Quantitative Analyst during my university studies, an
unexpected opportunity arose for me to join an internship programme focused on software development.
This experience opened my eyes to the transformative power of technology and its potential to positively
impact our lives. It was through this internship that I discovered my passion for technology and realised its
pivotal in driving meaningful change.

Success doesn’t come from what you do occassionally, it comes from what you do consistently
Marie Forleo
“Surround yourself with a trusted and loyal team. It makes all the difference.”
Alison Pincus, cofounder of One Kings Lane
Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love
it and be able to make sacrifices for it. If I don't love doing something,
and it's not necessary for my families' survival, I don't do it. That's a
learned skill, and not always easy to practice.