Jo Duxbury 38
Old job:
Working as a freelancer in the advertising, marketing and communications
industries
New job:
Founder and owner of Freelancentral, an online showcase of freelancers'
portfolios, and Peppermint Source, an outsourced marketing strategy consultancy
www.freelancentral.co.za & www.pepperniintsource.com
After 10 years in the UK working in various
communications agencies, I returned home to Cape Town. I wanted to freelance
initially to get a feel for the SA agency landscape, but struggled as I had no
network or contacts. When I eventually got a freelance contract at an agency, I
realized there was a gap in the market to provide a way for freelancers and the
clients who need their services to find one another. So in 2005 I abandoned my
'real job' to set up my website, Freelancentral.co.za. In 2009, this spun off
my second business. Peppermint Source, which helps agencies and brands with
their marketing, content and social media strategy and implementation.
From very humble beginnings, we now have
over 6500 freelancers on the Freelancentral database. We can cherry pick from
these for our Peppermint Source projects. We are continually growing - even
through the recession. And the best thing about my work is my boss - she's
great [laughs] and, as a result, I am pretty unemployable now!
I meet new people all the time, and I learn
something new each day. I'm now building my business up for acquisition. Once
it's made me millions, I'd like to integrate my big passion - travel - into my
next venture. I don't know what it will be yet, but this game is about being
open to possibilities and trusting your intuition. The times when I have
ignored my gut feeling are the times when I have had regrets.
Top tip: Be open to opportunities and the
fact that your business might take on a new direction. Allow for evolution.
Kim Young 36
Old job:
Research scientist at GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer
New job:
Founder and owner of Beautifully Born, teaching an antenatal technique called
HypnoBirthing
www.beautifullybom.co.za.
I only discovered HypnoBirthing after the
birth of my daughter Kiera, when I was pregnant with my second baby, James. My
first birthing experience was not a good one, so I wanted to do it right the
second time around. I used the technique and my son was born at home in under
two hours following a pain-free, drug-free labor. It was one of the most
incredible experiences of my life, and inspired me to train as a practitioner
in 2008, using the Marie Mongan method of HypnoBirthing. I was overwhelmed by
the power of the technique, so to be able to bring it to South Africa, which is
also a very untapped market, was a real incentive. Since qualifying, I have
taught over 120 couples in a country where the Caesarian section rate is around
70% (the second highest worldwide), and 66% of moms on my courses have achieved
natural birth, the majority without medication. Only five moms I have taught
have used an epidural.
There is nothing more satisfying than
seeing another couple enjoy the birth of their child without all the
complications and interventions that women seem resigned to. I remember feeling
elated during and after my second birth, and passing that experience on,
empowering pregnant women and equipping them with tools to take control of such
a special event in their lives, is truly wonderful.
Top tip: Offer a high-quality, personal
service, and advice for free–people remember those who helped them without
expecting anything in return.
Nontwenhle Mchunu 29
Old job:
Started as a cashier in her family's retail business, later progressing to a
management role
New job:
Founder and owner of Ezulwini Chocolat
www.ezulwlnichocolat.co.za.
When I was 18, I left my hometown of
Nkandla, KZN for Joburg, armed only with my love for food and cooking, and a
keen interest in business. I found it difficult to get work in Jozi, so returned
to Durban, where I worked in a bank while studying catering part-time. It was
in 2003, after attending a workshop on desserts, that I started experimenting
with chocolate. I knew I'd discovered my passion and a gap in the market. Soon
I realized there was room for growth in Cape Town's hospitality industry. My
research took me even further, to UCT and the Raymond Ackerman Academy, which
helped hone my entrepreneurial abilities. After I completed the programme, the
Ackerman family sponsored me to further my chocolate training in the UK. Since
then, I've also studied the art in Switzerland, doing an internship with
masters at Laderach. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by smart people
who have supported and encouraged me.
I used to sell my chocolates door to door,
offering people a 'taste of heaven', which is what Ezulwini means. Now I get
calls for orders from around the country. We're currently listed in selected
Pick n Pay stores in the Western Cape, which is wonderful. I never dread
getting up for work, even when there are challenges. I love chocolate for its
own sake, and as an art form. This work has given me a clear sense of purpose.
Top tip: Surround yourself with like-minded
people who want you to succeed, and steer clear of naysayers and negative
people. They will only bring you down.
