Name: Luyanda Ngwenya Company: ICU Eyecare Age: 34

NGWENYA started her optometry business, ICU Eyecare, which is in Wadeville, Germiston, five years ago because she wanted to make a difference in people ’ s lives.

After studying optometry at the University of Johannesburg and obtaining a BTech degree, she established her company because she wanted a bigger challenge. Before branching out on her own, Ngwenya worked in the private sector as an employee for seven years.

“My spiritual father and pastor introduced me to Zimele, an organisation that funds SMMEs at a very reasonable interest rate. It was they who provided me with a loan to buy critical equipment to get my business started. Making a difference in people ’ s lives is the reason I go to work every day. Regardless of the many challenges I may face, they truly are my very own cheerleaders,” she said.

“My advice for entrepreneurs is that they should believe in their product or service offering, work hard and focus on the bigger picture.

“Failure is a guarantee, [but] draw valuable lessons from your mistakes and keep pressing on.”

The company has three permanent workers and four freelancers

Contact: 011 383 2116 /083 973 5464