Entrepreneurship has gone beyond a simple means to a financial end. Women have found ways to monetise their creativity and in turn, have reshaped industries and set new standards for success. We celebrate East London women in Entrepreneurship.
Dinika L Rooy has her own accessories business and also uses her role in the community to show support for the girl child through her pad drive initiatives.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a woman in entrepreneurship?
A: I must balance the demands of my business with my personal and family life; this can be difficult but is crucial for maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Q: What are some challenges that women in your field have had to face, how have you overcome these challenges?
A: One of the lessons I’ve learned from being a female entrepreneur is the importance of not giving up. I’ve pushed through to pursue my goals even in the face of adversity. Perseverance is what helps me overcome obstacles.
Q: In what way have you used your position in society to help others?
A: My Dee’s Accessories customers are more like family, they support my NPO Keep a Girl in School as well as any charity events or initiatives I engage them with on my social platforms for which I’m very grateful.
Q: What is your message to women this Women’s Month?
A: Every woman should have the courage to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and carve their path to success. Women everywhere should be empowered to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others.
Marianna Douw is an event planner who brings her clients’ dreams to life and is dedicated to spreading positivity and motivating others.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a woman in entrepreneurship?
A: The vision is God’s for me. It has not been easy, but with handwork and dedication, I am not where I was, yet not where I want to be. I have so many mentors paving the way for me. So, I learn every day and try new ways to adapt.
Q: What are some challenges that women in your field have had to face, how have you overcome these challenges?
A: There are so many people in the same industry competing for a spot. Delivering quality equipment and good service to every customer is what keeps me relevant. Knowing how I want to be treated, giving the same energy and learning the new trends.
Q: In what way have you used your position in society to help others?
A: I try to motivate women. I speak to people daily and encourage them to start their businesses. I host events where we learn and give guidance on how to balance life as a woman.
Q: What is your message to women this Women’s Month?
A: There is room at the top for us all. Collaboration will take you to the next level. Don’t compete, collaborate.
Roxanne Wentzel is one of the most popular female photographers who has a passion for capturing beautiful moments and giving back through community service.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a woman in entrepreneurship?
A: As a photographer, hard work, determination, and believing in myself is key. I dreamt of becoming a photographer since I was very young but never thought it would be possible. I had a really tough life and I had to do whatever work I could to get by. It was by the Grace of God that I had life changes that brought the opportunity for me to do the one thing I dreamt of doing.
Q: What are some challenges that women in your field have had to face, how have you overcome these challenges?
A: It is a tough world out there, but with hard work and my faith, I know I can take on anything. As a woman, in the past, we have always had to take a back seat, but with all the changes and, dare I say, evolution of society, being a woman in my industry has a lot of advantages. There are some instances where the men do dominate, but there are somewhere women dominate more.
Q: In what way have you used your position in society to help others?
A: As an artist, my job is to tell stories. When it comes to my fine art photography, often the stories are my own, but when it comes to Roxanne Wentzel Photography, I am honored and blessed to be able to help my clients to tell theirs. During lockdown my husband and I dedicated our time to assisting families with food parcels. With the help of some phenomenal companies, we were able to help feed more than 900 people every week for nine months. Now, I do maternity and newborn sessions once a month for a mommy who is unable to afford it.
Q: What is your message to women this Women’s Month? A: My advice to women is, to stand strong in who you are. Do not give up, even when it seems like that monster mountain has no end. Dare to go further, it always pays off.
