This week meet Sanet, a lady who decided to do something positive for South African while still in London. Creating gift packs expanded into a larger company called Ladygroup, which includes a number of different divisions.
- Tell us about yourself, a bit of background.
I’m a 45-year-old mom of three who was born and raised in Port Elizabeth (PE). After matriculating in 1988 I studied towards a BComm degree at Stellenbosch University before returning to back to PE where I worked in IT for 5 years before leaving for London in 1999. I ended up staying in London for 11 years before returning to home soil.
2. What were you doing before you started this business?
I had a job in IT at an investment bank’s trade floor in London.
- What prompted you to start your business?
My dad passed away in 2002 and as I sat in my workplace I remember thinking to myself, “Is this it?” I resigned later that year. After hearing a lot of negativity about South Africa I wanted to somehow do something positive for South Africa whilst living in London. This prompted me to start a gifting company aimed at South Africans living in London who’d like to order gifts and flowers for their loved ones back home. Using South African companies and products, the flowers and gift hampers were packed and delivered in South Africa while I handled the orders in London. This, to me, was a great opportunity to create work in South Africa and support local companies and service providers.
- Is your business full time or part time and why?
It used to be full-time and in the evenings, but now that I have an amazing team I am able to work mornings only on most days – even though my mind continues to work through the afternoon and evenings…
- How do you juggle the responsibilities of being a mom with your work?
I’m very lucky to have a flexible lifestyle which allows me to pick the kids up from school and be with them most afternoons. I often think it would be easier to be at work full-time, but it’s still so worth it.
- Do you have a business plan? If so, can you share a bit about your strategy to make it successful?
No business plan – maybe in my head… I’ve always just trusted my intuition.
- How do you get clients/ market yourself?
Mostly through online marketing – social media sites, google ads, newsletters and so forth. I used to advertise in print, but I’ve realized that the returns from online marketing are much better.
8. What’s your biggest challenge right now?
Ladygroup’s newest division, Beauty Bar. Since adding this beauty salon to Ladygroup’s portfolio, I’ve realized that you need to know an industry before buying into it. What I know about beauty salons is quite dangerous and it has been an expensive lesson, but we will get there.
9. Did you need a lot of money to start off? And how long was it before you made a profit?
I started off with R30 000 in 2003 and only showed a profit after 5 years.
What makes the Ladygroup unique from other brands?
An uncompromising commitment to customer service and great quality products.
11. Share with us your social media links and website.
Website: www.ladygroup.co.za
Social Media: www.facebook.com/ladygroupsa – each of Ladygroup’s divisions can also be found across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn or Instagram.
Thanks Karen!
Great story! Great business idea!