Business expert shares his success by mentoring others
PORT Elizabeth born and bred business marketer and branding expert, Roy Booyens, soon discovered his career passion after having left school at a very young age. Owner and founder of locally-based Kreative Studios, 32-year-old Booyens has been helping small to medium businesses grow their brands and market themselves in the Bay’s competitive business environment.
Working closely with local and national business owners and entrepreneurs, Booyens specialises in a variety of marketing and public relations activities including brand design and development, search engine optimisation, social media design and monthly remote marketing, among other avenues.
After leaving high school at the end of Grade 9, Booyens went on to complete his matric through correspondence the following year.
“I never really got along with standardised schooling,” Booyens said.
As a result, Booyens started working at a very young age.
“I started working at a local Wimpy restaurant at the age of 16 to earn some extra cash,” Booyens said.
Shortly after starting at Wimpy, Booyens said that one night the manager on duty walked out during the middle of his shift, which left him having to take on the responsibility for the remainder of the evening.
“I worked a few shifts managing the restaurant and after a few weeks, the owner offered me a manager’s posi-
Hard work trumps talent all the time;
Find your reason. If you don’t know why you are doing it then don’t do it;
Balance. Over-working yourself breaks productivity;
Education is key to success. Always be hungry for knowledge and keep learning; and
Stay hungry for success but always remain humble.
tion,” Booyens said. He had just turned 17 at the time.
After a few years of working in the hospitality industry, Booyens was offered a marketing position at a prominent beachfront lodge at the age of 20.
It was through this experience that Booyens found his career calling for marketing and business branding.
“Ironically most people find their expertise when they are not looking for it,” Booyens said.
Since starting Kreative Studios in 2006, Booyens has not looked back and has grown from strength to strength.
One of the most motivating aspects of working in marketing and branding was that the industry was always evolving, he said.
“It is very exciting, there is never a textbook way of doing things.
“It is a creative environment which always changes,” Booyens said.
“When I started in this business I knew there were two ways of doing things; the first is the academic way, and the other, which I subscribe to, is hands-on practical learning.
“Business is my big love in life and it drives me every day to better myself,” Booyens said.
After having experienced a tough upbringing, Booyens said he had learned from a young age to “fight through the tough stuff” to be successful.
This led to his decision to help uplift the community through his company by mentoring numerous prospective business owners on best business practices.
“I do what I can to give back to this town,” Booyens said.
Recently, Booyens has been instrumental in sponsoring the re-design and re-branding of Settlers Primary School’s website and newspaper.
“I also have a soft spot for animals, especially dogs, and I have offered my assistance to the SPCA in the past,” he said.
Apart from numerous nationallybased companies on Booyens’ books, some of his local clients include photographer extraordinaire Erna Loock and EC Crete.
“My motto in life and in business is that I refuse to sink, which is what I have had tattooed on my chest,” Booyens said.
He also attributed his success to his supportive fiance and business partner, Nicolene Smuts, and his eight-year-old daughter Katelyn.
He said the ‘K’ in Kreative Studios was derived from his daughter’s name.
“I would not have been where I am now without my amazing fiance, Nicolene,” Booyens said.