Sandton shoe shiner has put his heart and ‘sole’ into his business

Sandton’s savvy entrepreneur William Mahuma encouraged aspiring business owners to persue their passion and never give up.

Mahuma, who matriculated with no prospects of studying further due to financial constraints, turned his dream of owning his own business into a reality. Today, the young entrepreneur owns his very own shoe shining business at the Radisson Blu in the heart of Sandton.

“Starting my own business has helped me to be independent and responsible, it’s not every day you wake up and have your own business,” he said.

Looking back at how far he had come, Mahuma reminds himself to always appreciate the journey he had to endure along the way.

This included going hotel to hotel to pitch his shoe shining business idea. It was only after 10 failed attempts that Mahuma got his big break with the Radisson family.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t dream of becoming a shoe shiner, but I knew I wanted to work for myself and own a business. Now that I’ve been doing it, I’ve developed a love for it.”

Over the past two years at the Radisson, Mahuma has not only been able to support his family of five with his entrepreneurial savvy skills but he has also had famous names such as Davido, Wizkid, the President of Brazil, Kenny Kunene and many other diplomatic dignitaries in his chair.

“I’ve made lots of friendships I never thought possible, with people from all over the world that return and remember me,” he said.

The local businessman looks forward to one day being able to expand his business and share his passion with many more people.

“I would love to expand [my business] one day, have a shop in Sandton City or even have different franchises – that’s my dream.”

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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/286148/happiness-and-art-for-a-good-cause/