Lungile Nothando Ngema

Lungile Nothando Ngema is a young woman who embarked on an academic journey from a partially developed village called WEWE to the bustling city of Durban, where she completed her higher grades. It was during her formative years that her passion for entrepreneurship took root, inspired by the resourcefulness of individuals like her grandmother, who had a knack for transforming anything into a viable source of income or business opportunity.
In 2020, she completed her matriculation and set her sights on further education in the province of the Western Cape, specifically in the vibrant city of Cape Town. There, she pursued a diploma in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Opting to venture far from her family at a young age was a conscious decision fueled by her desire for independence and personal growth.
Being surrounded by a dynamic city teeming with accomplished individuals provided the perfect environment for me to explore and nurture her business acumen. Harnessing my entrepreneurial spirit, she established an online store and ventured into the realm of Airbnb, taking on the roles of property management and co-hosting. Along this path, she encountered like-minded individuals, equally driven in the realms of business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Collaborating with these individuals on exciting and promising projects has been instrumental in fueling my personal and professional growth, as we continually support and propel one another forward.
She hopes to present a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of success. Her journey from a modest village to a thriving metropolis serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and the unwavering belief in one's abilities. She eagerly looks forward to the next chapter of her entrepreneurial endeavors, as she embraces new opportunities and contributes to the dynamic world of business.

Thando chose to switch to a business in Airbnb and an online store because she saw an opportunity to create value in these industries and provide a unique experience to customers.
Her advice to someone starting their own business in these industries would be to focus on providing a great customer experience, be transparent and honest, and utilize social media and online marketing.
She deals with fear and doubt by reminding herself of her passion and purpose for starting the business, seeking advice and guidance from mentors, and breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.

Thando's routines include reviewing metrics and analytics, communicating with customers and partners, and researching industry trends and best practices.
In five years, she sees her businesses expanding globally and offering new and innovative products and services, and in ten years, becoming a leader in the sharing economy and online retail.
Her businesses look different now than when she first started because they have expanded their offerings, improved their technology and customer experience, and have a larger network of partners and customers.
They set their businesses apart from others in the industry by offering personalized and authentic experiences, emphasizing customer satisfaction, and utilizing technology to enhance the customer experience.

They marketed their businesses when they were brand new by utilizing social media, building partnerships with local businesses and influencers, and offering promotions and discounts.

Thando lets out the hardest part of being an entrepreneur is dealing with uncertainty, managing finances, and constantly adapting to changes in the market and customer needs.

Her favorite part of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to innovate and create, the satisfaction of seeing happy customers, and the potential for creating a positive social impact.

Thando declares openly every entrepreneur should possess qualities such as creativity, resilience, adaptability, leadership, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
She has grown personally from being an entrepreneur by developing her leadership and communication skills, becoming more financially literate, and gaining a deeper understanding of her passions and values.
Some of her biggest learning experiences in running a business have been managing finances, building and leading a team, utilizing technology and data analytics, and adapting to changes in the market and industry trends.
When outsourcing or hiring, she's looking for candidates who have the necessary skills and experience, to share their values and vision for the business, and have a passion for innovation and customer satisfaction.
Thando will never compromise on the safety and security of her customers, the quality and authenticity of their products and services, and their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.