Boundaries stretched by challenges
ELISE Naudé of Total believes that working for different bosses in various business spheres had given her the skills and confidence to go into business.
Educated at GHS in Komani, she is married to André and has three married children and four grandchildren.
Having a supportive spouse helps, she admits, as she faces the challenges of diversified businesses.
Total Lukhanji is an exciting and vibrant environment which has taught her much and stretched her boundaries on an emotional, physical and spiritual level.
She said it was a challenging business for a woman to run, but the supportive staff and her husband ensured that the day-to-day maintenance issues were dealt with.
De Oude Werf Guesthouse started with the vision of creating a “home from home” environment with all the comforts, good food and ambience that goes with it.
“I could not have accomplished the setting up of this guesthouse without the support of the amazing manageress – Rose Kirsten and my husband who is responsible for ensuring that maintenance and improvements to the property are carried out.”
The guesthouse has a AA superior rating and this year received the Afristay Best Value Guesthouse award for Komani – “once again I have to give Rose Kirsten all the credit for this award”.
The Homeware and Gift Shop, Housebound, was the original Bali Homes which changed face a few times in the last twelve years including being re-branded.
“This is my true passion – making homes beautiful. We offer a full decorating service which includes curtain making, upholstery and all manner of soft furnishings and then of course all the beautiful accessories – mirrors, gifts, lamps etc. “
She does not believe that success is defined by financial gain “although to have a successful business it must be financially viable and responsibly run. Success in business for me is getting up every morning and loving everything I do.”
She said women had to fight much harder in life, balancing work with home and children and often feeling unappreciated.
“My advice is ‘know your worth’ and try not to depend on people and circumstances to make you happy.”
Her best decision was to trust God in every aspect of her life while she said women were forging ahead and not allowing themselves to be sidelined in business anymore.