1. Why did you start your own business?
I guess I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit as I have predominantly had my own businesses. So my default is to do something of my own and not to look for a job.
2. What are the hours that you work?
They vary, as I am a single mom too, if I don’t manage to get a full day in at the office, I always do an extra couple hours in the evening.
I have spent many evenings working till 12 and many mornings waking up at 3 or 4am and back on the computer. I also attend a trade show per month, so work a full weekend then too.
3. How many people work in your business?
We are small, 4 of us currently in the office. We have a part time sales person, and a stay home mom who puts in a few hours a day on sales and after sales service. We outsource the manufacturing and packing of all our products, so many people who are involved in our product but don’t work directly for us.
4. What are the goals for your business?
To become an internationally recognized brand, and known as the healthy pure unrefined salt which is essential for your health.
5. How do you handle pressure?
Just keep going, reply to the next email, take a deep breath, remind myself it will all be worth it in a few years.
6. How would a man run your business differently?
Possibly more methodically, I am always bouncing between a 100 tasks and multitasking.
7. Would you ever go and work for a boss again?
No, I don’t think so, unless it was an incredibly dynamic and awesome team and I could be my own boss within the business. I find it very had being told what to do and being micro-managed.
8. Do you ever take work home with you?
Always. I even work in my dreams!
9. What do you do to relax?
At least one day on the weekend, no plans before 11, and don’t get out of bed. I enjoy one day on the weekend when I am just hanging at home and have nowhere I have to be.
10. What would you like to know more about to run your business better?
I am always engaging in personal and business growth, so trying to learn all the time. Time management and maybe some other structure I feel could support me to be more productive.
11. What would you do differently if you had the chance?
I don’t think I would do anything differently.
12. Did you have to borrow money and if yes what route did you follow?
I did need investors in order to grow, and so got financial partners involved who bought into the company and are 50% shareholders.
13. What satisfaction do you get from running your own business?
The freedom I have to collect my son early on break up day or to attend a special event without having to ask permission.
Knowing that I will create financial freedom for myself. That my value and worth doesn’t have a ceiling.
14. What makes your business successful?
A unique product, beautifully packaged, lots of passion and hardwork. The capital, advise and financial knowledge that the investors brought to the business.
15. What form of marketing do you use?
Definitely built the brand at the food shows such as Good Food & Wine and Taste. Our opportunity to have our grinders on restaurant tables has been a great marketing platform too. Recently we have got our blog and newsletters flowing nicely.
ORYX DESERT SALT
Tel: 021 788-5078
Cell: 074 413 8646