Meet the 3 emerging entrepreneur finalists
CAITLIN MOSTERT
Owner of Country Bumpkin Restaurant at Floradale.
What do you value most in people?
I value honesty, loyalty and a positive attitude.
What drives you?
My husband passed away from cancer in 2015. It was always our dream to create a truly successful restaurant with excellent food, service and a great atmosphere. I am driven to constantly improve and modify Country Bumpkin to achieve and sustain this dream and keep our customers coming back. Our two children, Matthias, 10, and Tessa, 7, also keep me inspired and motivated.
What are your strongest qualities at work?
I would say that I am fair and approachable, so I have a good working relationship with my staff which is important. I am also friendly and enjoy chatting to customers and listening to their feedback. I’m hard-working and I pay attention to details.
What were your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge was losing my husband to cancer in September 2015 and finding myself with two small children to take care of and a restaurant to run on my own. My husband had extensive experience in hospitality and he was the brains behind the business. I, on the other hand, had a lot to learn so it has been challenging to run the restaurant without him. Through hard work, determination and a lot of support and encouragement from family, friends, employees and customers I have managed to overcome these challenges.
What difficulties have you faced as a woman in business? As a woman I think not everyone expects you to succeed so I’ve had to toughen up a bit and believe in myself.
How do you balance work and family life?
It has been difficult, especially as the restaurant requires long work hours. I have a great staff team at Country Bumpkin who have worked with me for a long time and I have excellent managers, so I know that when I am spending quality time with my children, the restaurant is in good hands.
How do you relax?
I enjoy going for a run on the beach, spending time with my children and with friends and reading a book or flipping through a magazine.
What is your favourite quote? “Change your thoughts and you change your world,” Norman Vincent Peale.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I think this process of the BWA Regional Business Woman of the Year Awards, is a fantastic way to recognise and encourage the work that woman do, and the contribution women make to the economy. Being nominated inspires and motivates me to continue to work hard and it makes the journey I have travelled and the challenges I have overcome all the more worthwhile.
MANDY SEYMOUR
Owner of Lady Marmalaide East London.
What do you value most in people?
I value many traits in those I surround myself with, including integrity, commitment, compassion, empathy and most importantly a sense of humour.
What drives you?
People drive me. I am passionate about people. Making my clients happy makes me happy. The rapport that I develop with my clients is way more important to me than money or status. I am who I am through others.
What are your strongest qualities at work?
One of my strongest qualities is my ability to connect with people. Being energetic, honest, professional as well as fun, are all part of who I am. These qualities make my job so easy and naturally exciting. I get to meet so many amazing women from all walks of life.
We get to share stories, experiences, laughter, tears, excitement and joy, while fitting gorgeous wedding gowns in between. My job is more than just ‘bridal wear’. It is something very personal, meaningful and unforgettable.
What were your biggest challenges?
Losing my father in January 2016 was my biggest setback, amongst others, which at that time, made it difficult for me to get up in the mornings. However, my only goal was to create a new life that I knew he would be proud of. I was extremely close to my dad and losing him crippled me. The support of my family and friends has been my biggest help in overcoming my personal challenges. What difficulties have you faced as a woman in business?
Coping with fear of failure. But, what I have learned is that if you’re successful, no one cares whether you are a man or a woman. How do you balance work and family life?
The most precious thing you can give someone is your time and I love giving my time to my clients. I understand that it is equally important to give my time to my family and loved ones and to be present and focussed in those moments with them. In order to achieve the balance, time management and adequate planning is essential.
How do you relax?
I am a homebody, so just being at home with my loved ones helps me relax. I love a good movie, a Wimpy coffee and last but not least, spending time with my four cats and three dogs. Animals are my therapy. What is your favourite quote? “Do good and right, and fear no man.”
Anything else you would like to tell us?
This has been one of the most fun and exciting experiences ever. My advice to any emerging entrepreneur? Embrace every moment, good or bad, happy or sad. These moments are all part of your journey – it is your story.
VUYOKAZI SIDELO
Capsun Trade and Invest director. What do you value most in people?
Their ability to embrace diversity, their zeal for life and their dynamic learning abilities. I value organised and orderly people.
What drives you?
I am driven by new possibilities that come with a new day. Also driven by my passion for what I do, training and development of people. This passion of course is based on discipline for optimum performance. What are your strongest qualities at work?
I am an assertive, confident, and brave person. Empathy is also one of my strengths. I believe that these qualities are required if you are to succeed in the business world and in life. Working with people on a frequent basis requires a measure of confidence and assertiveness. Community development and working with people requires empathy, so these qualities assist in the many activities that I do. As I am a strong believer in Christ, this helps me to overcome all the time. What were your biggest challenges?
My parents’ divorce and losing two years of school in 1985/86 due to political unrest. These two experiences taught me make the best out of every situation. Losing two years of school created a hunger in me for education and prosperity. My parents’ divorce toughened me up and taught me to overcome disappointment. I also learned from their mistakes and swore never to repeat them in my own marriage. What difficulties have you faced as a woman in business? The first difficulty or hurdle I had to face and overcome was the corporate-employee mind-set. I was employed for almost 20 years and had never run a business before. The fear of failure and losing money gripped me for a while. But having to wake up to the reality that I determine my own salary changed things for me.
Being away from home for longer periods of time doing training and consulting was also difficult. The balancing act between family and business is a real challenge for a wife and mother.
How do you balance work and family life?
This is when I sing the song by Andre Crouch: “Through it all I’ve learnt to trust in Jesus , I’ve learnt to trust in God, through it all I have learnt to depend upon His Word”. Proper planning is key for the smooth running of the business and making the most of quality time when I am with my family.
How do you relax?
I love spending time at home with my family watching movies. My daughter is studying television and keeps me up to date with the latest movies. I also enjoy a good book. What is your favourite quote? “With God all things are possible.” Anything else you would like to tell us?
I love singing and come from a musical family. I’m inspired by my upbringing – my parents did their very best for us and I would like to thank them. I wish to thank my husband for the support and of course my business partner for a great working relationship. I love the Eastern Cape community, I love people and I love Jesus.