Durban - KwaZulu-Natal women entrepreneurs or ‘fempreneurs’ who have built successful businesses in the province are sharing advice on how to create a balance between work and home life, as South Africa commemorates National Women’s Day.
The entrepreneurs are members of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO), which is a global peer-to-peer network.
Marketing and Communications chair for EO Durban, Cindy Norcott, who is an entrepreneur herself as the founder of recruitment agency Pro Talent, said the number of female entrepreneurs in South Africa is growing.
Norcott said that with the right support structures, women can have it all and be wonderful wives, mothers and CEOs.
She believes that achieving a work life balance is one of the primary challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
“I used to see a work-life balance as a see-saw with work on one end and life on the other. My perception has changed. I see our lives as a wheel with loads of spokes on it. Sometimes we need to focus more on one area than on others. I think that we, as female entrepreneurs, are all experiencing a blending and meshing of work into life and life into work. I think the trick is navigating the tension between our diverse roles while being kinder to ourselves,” said Norcott.
Tarryn Tait, chief executive officer of Basics and Beyond, says she believes in quality over quantity.
“Be present and don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. If time spent with family is not meaningful and intentional, you are probably better off spending one hour connecting deeply,” she advised.
Owner of Engen on the Point, Shahzadee Ballim, was brought up within a family business that imported and dealt in wholesale home-ware.
Ballim spent most of her days after school working at the warehouse and while studying for her BCom degree her father fell ill and she had to step into his role.
“I’ve been in the working world for as long as I can remember. I continued with the importing, wholesaling business and, in 2017, I took over Engen uShaka along with Steers which falls under Famous Brands.
Ballim said being a mom and an entrepreneur is all about finding the perfect balance.
“Plan in advance, do what you can and then delegate the rest – and always remember you can do it,” she said.
Saskia Hill, who is the founder of MCS Debt Recovery, said she is committed to helping her staff as well as improving the overall debt collection environment during this extremely challenging Covid-19 recovery period.
“Creating a work-life balance is constantly evolving as our family and work dynamics evolve. Grounding is essential, whether it is fitness regimes, meditation or scheduled time with family and friends, all of which is necessary fuel to move us forward during our challenges.
“Our circle of influence needs to be a safe place and a source of positive energy. Being vulnerable is the new real. There is no competition to create a perfect work-life balance. We use what works for us and embrace our differences,” she said.
Shilpa Mehta, managing director of Production Logix and a former president of EO KZN, said it is important to plan in advance and make yourself a priority.
“Your sleep and health are important. Fill your cup because, when it is full, it is much easier to be energetic and enthusiastic about a busy schedule. Outsource and delegate where you can,” advised Mehta.