My name is
Ntsapokazi Carol Mhlauli. I’m originally from Eastern Cape, in a small town
called Butterworth, in South Africa. I came to Pretoria city in 2005. I have a BSC Hons in Computer Science.
I am a brand strategist and a marketing consultant by profession. I worked for
Telkom for so many years and I became a project Manager for Portfolio,
Architecture and Innovation. I resigned from Telkom in 2013 to focus on my own
business full time.
I have
been a business focused marketer who enjoys bringing together analytical and
creative thinking to solve problems? From general business strategy to brand
building and marketing planning, I work directly with business owners to unlock
growth by assessing the current state of the brand, the strategy, understand
the target customer through research, analysis, internal company strengths,
review competitor offerings, define the brand story, briefing and managing
graphic design and consolidate brand guidelines.
I sit as
an ex-officio and brand strategist on the boards of various Non- Profit
organizations, Private Companies, Co-Operatives, business and startups to
assist them build their strategy and their brand portfolios on an ongoing
basis. I am currently based in Pretoria but travels wherever business takes me.
That’s what I love doing.
I am also
a member and a volunteer of the African Union Youth Commission in Addis Ababa
and am actively involved in entrepreneurship Programmes across the African
continent.
I have
participated in most of youth development programs in Ethiopia such as ICT week
summit, African Solidarity Initiative under Peace and Security Initiative. I am
an ex- Vice Chairperson of ICT Committee and Outreach. I dedicate my free time
to mentoring and coaching young entrepreneurs to create sustainable long-term
businesses and be better people for tomorrow.
How did it all start?
I had
always had passion for business and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be
an entrepreneur. My father was a farmer always selling vegetables from the
farm, that’s where I drew my inspiration in business. In the early days when I
was still an employee I used to sell second hand clothing from the boot of my
car. I would travel to various places like Durban, Cape Town seeking new
opportunities and buying new stock. I remember at one time sleeping in my car
in South Beach because I didn’t have enough money to book a hotel but through
it all God protected me and at some point, I thought that I would end up in
retail because I knew a lot about retail business. But I am busy entering that
field now with a new project from which am very excited about hopefully it will
hit the shelves very soon.
The growing pains of being your own
boss
If you're
looking for a glamorous lifestyle, don't choose an entrepreneurial career path.
Being an entrepreneur is the hardest thing I have ever done. Many people take
time to judge us based on what they can see on the outside but forget the
battles we fight on the inside.
I know it all. I have experienced some of the most hideous things ever. Painful
and shameful things which have tested the integrity of my journey and should I
have been timid, I wouldn't have any story to tell. The wind that blows and
leave you with doubt and uncertainty of what is going to happen to you. I know
what it means to not have a shelter over your head because you invested so much
in your dreams and you willing to risk it all.
I know what it means not to have even R10.00 to buy data and follow up on
prospective clients. I know what it means to order a glass of water in a
restaurant because the last R20 you have is your last ticket to get you home. I
know what it means to use cheap foundation make-up because you can't afford a
full kit of BLACK-UP or ESTEE'LAUDER and all the other finer things women
desire in life. I know what it means to delay response to your emails because
you still hustling for a free wifi spot. I know what it means to be on Facebook
free mode because you saving the little data you have for important messages
and emails. I know what it means to use one handbag meeting after meeting
because you can't afford to pick up the best quality bag you’ve always wanted. I
know what it means to work in the lobbies and free spaces because you can't
afford an office. I know it all.
I used to stand at robots in Pretoria and surroundings
areas distributing my business flyers. At times I would bump into people I used
to work with at Telkom. I tell you, it was not a nice feeling, but yhaaa...what can I say. The road to entrepreneurship is hard. I
don't even want to think about my dress code at the time. I had lost my image
but it was still me. I was simply paying the price for my dreams.
In the bible, the apostle Paul said; “I know how to be RICH and I know how to
be POOR”. Being an entrepreneur is about embracing this text fully, these
testing stages of life to see how far you can go. Your endurance is the
ultimate key factor to determine whether you have the game or not. I kept the
faith and I passed all my tests.
It's been
a long road. Some of the lessons have been painful but they now define me. I
always remind myself that things are not always as they seem. I enjoy Eckhart
Tolle, who says, 'This too shall pass.” One must remember that it's possible to
make the most of every situation. It's been a worthwhile journey and I have a
great team working with me — it's our team that makes every day worthwhile.
They're so loyal and supportive of each other and the brand — I admire each of
them and feel so blessed that we came to work together; that our paths crossed.
With my
wealth of experience in business, sales and marketing, customer service etc. I started
my company Masazie Holdings Pty Ltd back in 2012. Masazie Holdings (Pty) Ltd
has is an investment company even though we currently do import and export
services in the field of grains, minerals and petroleum products. Our company
is officially registered in Kenya,- Masazie Holdings Kenya Limited, in
Zimbabwe- Masazie Commodities Pvt Ltd and have presence in many African
countries like Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, DRC, Mozambique and Lesotho. I also
founded 7 subsidiaries operating across South Africa in areas of Business
Consulting, Corporate Branding, Driving Academy, Logistics, Mining, Properties,
Vehicle parts, Petroleum.
When I
first started my own business, I struggled a lot with securing startup capital
from local banks and investors. I run out of money. I owed almost everyone I
could think off. This is the problem for many entrepreneurs when first trying
to establish a new business venture. “It’s the same old banking story – if you
have no money they won’t give it to you; if you have money, they want to throw
more at you. Nevertheless, when you believe in your dream you do whatever it
takes to make it work. You don’t give up because banks don’t see what you see.
Women are
entering business world in their numbers and are very resourceful. Nevertheless,
they still need leaders and mentors to give them information about the facts. I
have always believed that craftsmanship starts with conversation and my unique
approach of connecting on a personal level with each individual customer is
part of my winning formula. I thought I knew business because I successfully
run various departments which ultimately achieved succeed and afforded me
various spot light awards. I had skilled people in place, have an advisory
board but I still failed until I got hold of a great Mentor who lifted my hand
and my business changed drastically and am forever grateful, hence I encouraged
people to be part of my mentorship programs.
The motivation for every person out
there who aspire to be in business
Have these
attributes of a lion – be tenacious, be courageous, be precise, be strategic
and focus on the hunt. Success doesn't come easy. You have to fight for the
meal and fight harder for the best meal and be prepared to seat in the table
before your enemies,
knowing for a fact that NO enemy, no table!
Develop a
strong work ethic, it goes a long way during your startup days in your journey.
Also have self-disciple and the ability to say no to things that are not part
of your journey. Focus on the ultimate goals.
My personal mantra for success is try “Try and try again. Once
you’ve picked something that resonate as your passion, it must be
all-encompassing. You have to stick to it. You will be met with challenges,
good and bad, but the thing is to stay to the course and never give up”
I am Carol
Mhlauli – I don't Play to Lose!
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I am Nicky Verd, a Prolific Writer, Blogger and Transformational Speaker. I am passionate about inspiring you to Take Ownership of Your Life. Reconnect with your dreams and jump-start your personal transformation.
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