I launched my company at the age of 21 while in my final year as I was completing my Journalism degree. I have since been self-employed. I came up with my company name around the age of 15/16 after I was inspired by Oprah’s “Harpo” company name, hence I also used my named backwards. And because I’m not one to just stick to one thing, I love trying new things, I found myself with multiple ideas which led to the different companies that I currently own today. There’s not a single entity that I launched without passion, and that passion always came before money. At 21 years old, with just R7000 (about $500 US) to my name, I took a leap of faith, trusting in God and believing that I will not fail. I haven’t looked back since. I am currently the founder of Orgella Media, a holding company which houses 9 other entities including a PR & Marketing Agency – Orgella Communications, an online entertainment blog – Orgella Entertainment, a Charity Foundation – Orgella Helping Hands, and a non-media real estate business – Orgella Properties amongst others. I was born in Limpopo Province, raised partially in Pretoria and then in Lebowakgomo and I’m now based in Johannesburg, South Africa. In January 2016 Forbes Woman Africa recognized me as one of Africa’s youngest female media business owners on the rise. The youngest owner of a 100% black owned media company in South Africa.
How did the idea for your business come about?
I studied a BA Journalism degree at the University of Johannesburg and I have always wanted to be in the media industry.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Getting funding. Which is why I later decided to self-fund the company myself.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
None whatsoever! I've been blessed with a very supportive family and a group of friends.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Prayer and hard work.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
That you lose friends along the way and the road to success as an entrepreneur includes lots of sleepless nights.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Have a plan and be open to adjusting that plan as you move along. Build a solid team that will grow with you, a team that shares the same vision as you. Work hard and always pray over your business.
