Starting a business and running it successfully is a risk that requires courage and an innovative mindset.

An inspiring example of this is 29-year-old Chante Venter, who transitioned from being a fitness trainer to becoming the founder of a much-loved local coffee shop.

After spending two years in Thailand, Chante returned to South Africa with a newfound passion for fitness. She began working as a personal trainer while also teaching online.

Although starting a business wasn’t part of her original plan, she felt a strong calling to change her life.

“I committed my life to Jesus, and from then on, things changed very fast. I was comfortable with my online job, but God had other plans for me. I kept encountering signs pushing me to open a coffee shop,” she said.

In 2023, she opened Hideout Café, a cozy food spot that has quickly become a gem in the Springs community.

Unlike many entrepreneurs who face challenges in the early stages, Chante described her experience as surprisingly smooth.

“Everything fell into place as if it was meant to be. I had so much help from my family getting everything up and running; I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said warmly.

Chante is not only an entrepreneur but also a wife, a mother of two daughters, and a self-taught chef. She specialises in curating simple yet delicious meals – a mix of savoury and sweet dishes such as croissants, bagels, toasties, and more.

Her goal extends beyond serving good food; she strives to create a warm and inviting environment where customers can feel the presence of God.

“My business is Christian-based, so I give glory to God for everything we have. I want people to know how important it is to make Him a part of your life,” she said.

When asked what keeps her motivated during tough times, she said, “I always try to improve in areas where improvement is necessary; that’s what keeps me driven.”

She added that entrepreneurship has boosted her confidence and strengthened her communication skills.

“I love interacting with customers, hearing their stories, and seeing how different everyone is. Building relationships with them brings me so much joy. I feel like this is truly meant for me, and I’m excited to see what’s next,” she said.

Hosting book openings and family events has also deepened her appreciation for the close-knit nature of the Springs community.

“It’s made me realise how connected our community really is, and I love that,” she added.

Chante encouraged aspiring business owners to take a leap of faith and pursue their dreams.

“Go for it. If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. God has such big plans for us; we just need to take the chance and not let doubt stop us from achieving our goals,” she said.

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