Entrepreneur uplifted through funding

Vernita Crystal Absolom, the founder of Crystal Candles, is one of the young entrepreneurs who received an opportunity to be funded by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), propelling her business ventures forward.

Vernita’s entrepreneurial journey began long before this milestone, however, her creative spark was ignited at a young age, and she credits her grandmother’s guidance and mentorship.

Her grandmother was a devoted teacher, baker and craftswoman, and she instilled in Vernita and her three siblings the value of innovation and self-sufficiency.

“My grandmother was an incredible mentor,” Vernita reflects. “She taught us how to harness our skills, transform them into profitable ventures, and cultivate a sense of entrepreneurship. With her encouragement, I learned to turn my passions into tangible businesses.”

Vernita says amid Covid-19 in 2020, she found herself unemployed with a toddler, and she had to make means to put food on the table.

“I had to make use of the skills that I was taught by my grandmother to start this business, but at that time it was just an idea, and whenever I made something, I sold it to people who were close to me.”

“I heard that NYDA had partnered with Synergetic Covenant Network, which is a local non-profit organisation, and they were giving young people an opportunity to start their own business.

“I then started attending a short course where I was taught business management, financial planning, and marketing of your business.

“After I applied for funding for the first time, and I didn’t get approved. However, I didn’t get discouraged. I tried again,” she says during an interview with the Roodepoort Record.

Vernita’s venture was finally funded on August 30, when she received jars, containers, wax, and fragrances for her candles. She named her business after her second name because she believes it carries a lot of significance.

Using her skills, Vernita makes candles, room mists and diffusers, among other things.

“This funding has made so much difference in my business, and I’m able to deliver my products. I’m also celebrating a big milestone as I will be starting to sell my products in different markets around the area, which is something I haven’t done before.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my business grow, and one thing I can say to other aspiring entrepreneurs is to take a leap of faith and start with what you have. At the end of the day, you have nothing to lose, but you have more to learn,” she concludes.