POLOKWANE – Mensah is a young businessman who is following his dreams and making a difference.

The 25-year-old is the proud owner of the recently opened Lifestyle Corner Valet and Lounge which is a triple treat as it offers the services of a car wash, lounge and hair salon and caters to variety of age groups, both men and women.

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He has always been interested in entrepreneurship and has never seen himself working for somebody.

“I spent a year in the corporate  and decided that it wasn’t working for me. Sitting behind the desk is not for me, I want to be that guy who creates work for other people,” he shared.

Mensah’s drive to grow his business can be seen in his hands-on approach on the premises. He works just as hard as the staff and it’s clear to see he is a perfectionist.

He struggled with funding to get the place up and running, as well as finding the perfect location but after a long struggle the Lifestyle Corner, Valet and Lounge opened its doors on 2 December 2017.

Mensah currently employs eight permanent staff and two ad hoc.

He admits he was nervous to see the customer turn out at first but so far he has received a overwhelmingly positive response.

It has not been easy for Mensah, who is now based in Johannesburg, to run a business in Polokwane, he comes to Polokwane every Friday to oversee matters.

He attributes the smooth running of the business to his mother’s support who attends to the business while he is away.

“Communication has been key because she needs to know and understand my vision. With time I have learnt not to micromanage as she is also from a business background and she knows what she is doing. She is the best person to do this because we have a strong mother/son level of trust,” he said.

Some of the other challenges he faced to get Lifestyle Corner’s doors open was winning over the neighbours because it is located in a residential area.

He plans to have a calendar which will boast themed events throughout the year. “We will keep people guessing. Without divulging too much, I can say this will be the place to be,” he told BONUS, adding his main plan is for Lifestyle Corner to gain recognition among thriving established businesses.

Mensah’s advice to others with big dreams is: “It’s always impossible until it’s done. Channel the negatives into positives and chase your dreams. Once you start, never stop because there is no shortcut to success. If you have a dream, be patient, work hard and break new ground”.

Follow Lifestyle Corner Valet and Lounge on Facebook or Lifestyle_CNR on Instagram to get acquainted.

editor@nmgroup.co.za