This week, we chat with Noluvuyo Usman, an internet cafe owner who is also a part-time DJ.
How did the idea for your internet café come about?
My idea to start this business came after I studied office management at the then Border Technikon. I was passionate about technology and computers, so much so that I always excelled in my studies effortlessly. There came a time when I was unable to finish my course and get a formal qualification. That’s when I decided to make a living out of my passion and start a business of my own using my skills instead of working for someone else.
What services do you offer?
We do faxing, copying, e-mails, typing confidential documents including resumes and CVs, scanning documents, and designing birthday invitations and funeral programmes.
How many people work for you?
I work with two people at the shop, so there are three of us.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own internet café?
Be patient and understand that a business needs to be nurtured and cared for to grow, just like a baby. Furthermore, you also need to understand success won’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process but the results are so satisfactory, as long as you’re passionate about what you do and treat your clients with respect.
What are some of the challenges you face in your business?
I started noticing changes after the Covid-19 pandemic as I mostly work with business owners and job seekers. Since the pandemic, many companies had to close down and people lost jobs so that affected my business as well because people no longer apply for jobs as they used to. Then there’s load-shedding which has also had a huge negative impact on my side. But I am thriving.
How do you fund your business?
My business is self-funded, and honestly speaking, my business has been doing well since I started back in 2012.
What are your business goals?
My goal is to grow and add more services like doing ID photos, working with more companies and other business owners, and typing documents for them. T-shirt printing is also on the cards but obviously, I need to obtain some kind of skill for that which is quite a financial challenge at the moment.
What is your business’s biggest need at present?
My biggest need is more clients, and more equipment like a bigger printer, a camera, and T- shirt printing equipment.
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your business?
When I’m not typing people’s documents on weekends, I don’t take a break and work as a DJ. I’ve been doing it for nine years. I play deep house, Afro house, amapiano, and so on.
How can people get hold of you?
Instagram: @ladyveethedj_el
Facebook: Vee Noluvuyo
E-mail: ladyveesa95@gmail.com
