Business women boost one another

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Women working in or owning small businesses spent a productive morning networking, sharing best practice and learning from one another at a business summit in D'Almeida on Friday, 12 August.

"What you do in the economy is admirable and as it is Women's Month, we are bringing women together to speak on business and learn from one another.

"Successful women turn setbacks into stepping stones," said Gwynne Harding, of the municipality's office for Local Economic Development (LED), who hosted the event.

PHOTO GALLERY: Women's morning networking event

Municipal council Speaker, Alderlady Venolea Fortuin, who is the first woman in that role in the council, said she welcomed the initiative of women coming together to share best practice and encourage one another.

"Business leaders are leaders in a very tough space. Business environments are competitive, constantly changing and can often be ruthless. Women often work, having to face insurmountable challenges, but despite this they persevere and are resilient," said Alderman Cliffie Bayman, deputy executive mayor.

Offering a word of encouragement from the Mossel Bay Business Chamber, Denise Lloyd mentioned that of the ten board members of the chamber, five are women. She said that the chamber embraced people from all walks of life and from a variety of businesses.

"Be bold and take the leap of faith. We at the chamber are here to help. Take your first step today," said Lloyd. She also referred to the successes of local women in business as an inspiration to others.

Irene Koegelenberg, whose topic was Phenomenal Woman, shared tips on self-care and building self-esteem, which often drive success in business. Letitia Cunningham spoke with authority on women working in the film industry, while Gail Appiah contemplated whether it is a so-called "man's world" after all.

Appiah was schooled in the construction industry. Local filmmaker Leverne Francis, CEO of her own film production company, explained how she took her leap of faith and Dorothy Josephs from Friemersheim told her amazing agriculture story.

Along with her five staff, Josephs run a chicken farm that produces 1 680 dozen eggs weekly. The business started in 2003 with 200 hens and now has 3 100.

"Aim high, work hard continuously towards your dream and when challenges come your way, tell yourself, 'I can'," were her words of encouragement.

Based on the feedback during the interactive feedback sessions, Harding concluded that the need for networking events among local women in business was undeniable. It was mentioned, as an outcome, that similar events may be hosted quarterly in future.

Staff from the municipal Local Economic Development office who hosted the event. Photos: Julian Scholtz