The first 2 titles Winnie claims are those of “Child of God” and Jesus Follower. Born in Zambia close the DRC/Zambia border, she grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. She has always had an interest in business ever since she was in Primary school. She used to sell sweets at school in order to pay for school trips or to buy books.
After moving to South Africa in 2008, where she is currently based, she was retrenched from her job in 2017. She seized the opportunity for her to start her own business. That is how Willowkraal Business Services was born. Willowkraal is an established business within the B2B space and offers a varied selection of digital services, data and cybersecurity services amongst others.
Winnie is passionate about the African continent, women, children and she desires to make an impact through her business. She believes African problems are superficial and can be solved by Africans collectively. She enjoys reading, music and has recently taken sketching as way of winding down and relaxing.
How did this idea for Willowkraal Business Services come about?
I always knew that I was going to start my own business since I was a little girl. I was always doing some sort of selling or some kind of venture at any given time.
How has your journey been so far?
It’s not an easy road that’s for sure. If anyone has to come into the business space thinking it’s a stroll in the park or a bed of roses then they are in for a shock. From a personal perspective, business has been the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. A lot depends on me, and I have to work harder than I did in a 9-5 job. I am working even when I go to bed or whilst I'm asleep.
There is a constant need to evolve and reinvent. From learning new things and learning from others, to meeting client’s expectations. Sometimes, things like insecurity also come into play, you ask yourself questions like "Am I able to do this? Who am I to be able to do this?" The imposter syndrome is real. A lot of times I am crippled by this fear, but I am fortunate that I am a Believer because I always look to GOD for grace to go through tough situations. Psalms 37:5 and Proverbs 16:3
What wisdom would you impart on others who would like to do the same?
I would like to say start as soon as you can, do not wait until things line up or when you have enough money. Learn as much as you can about the business you are into. Rome was not built in a day, so allow the process to evolve whilst you do your part which is to work hard and to work smart. Finally have a belief system, for whenever things do not add up or do not work as expected. In my case, I turn to a much higher force, GOD and Jesus. I pray to keep sane when challenges arise.
What assistance do you need to take your business to the next level?
Working capital is the biggest need, operational knowledge and skilled employees.
Where are you going to in the next 5 years?
We will be the leading African Software provider, creating games, artificial intelligence (AI) tools amongst other technologies.
How are you managing in COVID Times?
We have reinvented and adjusted with the times. The world has become one big village. You are now able to meet and interact with just about anyone online instead of in person. As such we have been able to do some collaborations with companies across the globe during this time. We are currently in consultation with companies in the Middle East and India. We are working from everywhere, our beds, cars living room etc, as long as we have our laptops and Wi-Fi.
On the flip side, our clients’ budgets have been compressed. Our services are sometimes deemed as not very urgent or necessary. Most companies are waiting to recover first before they can invest into new technologies. On the whole, Covid-19 has taught us resilience and togetherness despite the loss of lives. I see so many people helping each other regardless of background colour or creed.
In the event that someone wants to know more about your work, how can people get a hold of you?
People can contact me on my cellphone or email: hello@willowkraal.co.za, my twitter: @Winman27 or my social media accounts. My website is www.willowkraal.co.za
Do you have a Closing statement or parting advice?
Be the best you can be. Be aware of the people around you, reach out and help whenever you can. Ask for help if need be, there are so many people who are happy to help or show you how things are done. Live in the moment in the now. Entrepreneurs usually live-in vacuums or spaces (usually in their own heads). It is important to connect with others by joining groups or networks instead of travelling the entrepreneurship journey alone.
