Forwards Ever, Backwards Never
Mr Stone shared words of wisdom in a charismatic yet humble manner. He unpacked his journey from selling six units of his natural hair care products to supplying major retailers across South Africa and abroad.
Entrepreneurs, young and old, engaged in a networking session over tea on September 19.
The Township Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (TEA) event has grown in popularity among business-minded individuals in the Tembisan community.
The Tembisan was there to witness inspiring figures like Mr Xolisa Dyeshana, an executive creative director and partner at Joe Public, RSA.
Mr Dyeshana shared his story of being an East Cape born creative, displaced to Western Cape in pursuit of fulfilling a purpose in life to now being a partner at South Africa’s largest independent advertising agency. What made him come this far is his self-motivation and a belief that he could contribute something amazing to the advertising industry.
“Look beyond the corner, even if you can’t see what is there,” said Mr Dyeshana.
The event, organised by Mr Bulelani Balabala, a Tembisa born entrepreneur and host of TEA on Cliff Central, introduced Mr Jabu Stone, the founder of Jabu Stone Natural Hair products.
Mr Stone shared words of wisdom in a charismatic yet humble manner. He unpacked his journey from selling six units of his natural hair care products to supplying major retailers across South Africa and abroad.
“Never stop moving forward – Forward Ever, Backwards Never”, was a catch-phrase inspiring entreprenuers never to give into rejection. His story of turning passion into profit, one head at a time, inspired his book called Natural Success which will be available in the near future.
The event commenced with a TEA elevator pitch competition, which challenged five entrepreneurs to deliver a business pitch in 60 seconds. The winner of the competition, Mr Thabang Setoaba from Herry Nervours, a fashion line focusing on denim wear, won an interview on Cliff Central, a one year subscription to Sage Business tools and a Business book sponsored by TEA.
Mr Thabang Setoaba pitched against businesses ranging from designer sock companies to eco mobile vehicle pamper, and an innovative online doctor consultation and over the counter prescription advisor.
Emmah Rhema Mabye closed off TEA with a poem to fuel the imagination of all those who attended.
The Tembisan would like to encourage entrepreneurs to contact christopherm@caxton.co.za to advertise or market their business in the newspaper and online.
