Mogul, mom and mentor

FOR some, entrepreneurship is worked on and refined daily while for others, it is embedded in every fibre of their being.

This is true for Executive Director at Non-Profit Company (NPC) Zikulise Community Upliftment Project, Julie Jonson.

The centre, which aims to eradicate poverty and joblessness, was established in 2004 to train and develop people in income generating skills.

Zikulise, which translated from IsiZulu means ‘grow oneself’, has since its inception experienced phenomenal growth and trained more than 4 000 people.

‘The organisation is fund dependent has had some challenges; it has become harder to get grant funding so we try to have as many fundraising initiatives, to pump profit back in to the organisation, as possible.

‘Zikulise also does corporate event gift packing which is an additional source of income for the centre,’ she said.

Aiming to shine light in the lives of others and give them hope, Zikulise aims to initiate a school enrichment project.

‘We have put together a presentation of all our courses which we showcase at schools, whether it is entrepreneurial skills or just craft skill development, so we can teach the youth. Once they leave school, they are equipped with a an income generating skill of some sort in the event they cannot find employment.’

Power in your hands

Originally from Bloemfontein, Julie moved to Empangeni in 1986 and started a pottery business.

‘It was operative for 18 years. Pottery has always been a great passion of mine. I started teaching classes and later opened the business where it soon became a big factory in which we would mould and sell ceramic ware,’ she said.

‘I learnt a lot from running my own business and I want to transfer what I have learnt to other people.

‘I want people to realise they can work with their hands, make something and sell it. The power is literally in your hands.

Create new items

All my experiences through working at a legal firm, when I was younger, to running my own business for many years, lead me to the NPC project I now run.’

‘I love doing product development in my spare time and exploring my creative side.

I crochet and knit, too, and create new items to consider whether they would sell in our shops.’ said Julie.

Passionate about entrepreneurship and teaching others to empower themselves, this business-savvy beauty also enjoys a tasty pasta dish and a good book.

‘One of my favourites is ‘The Bourne Identity’ by Robert Ludlum,’ she said.

Driven by the fact that she is fulfilling God’s will for her life, Julie said tough times are to be expected.

‘Times get tough now and again, but everything is an exciting challenge.

‘I maintain that when things go pear-shaped, God is my strength,’ she said.