Interview with Sindi Buthelezi

Sindi Buthelezi is definitely a purpose driven lady. At the age of 29, Sindi has proven that success truly lies in ones hands and nothing is impossible. She co-owns a youthful clothing brand called AzaniaZulu. Check out her inspiring interview with us and learn more about her enterpreuneural venture.

YV: Please tell us about yourself.

I’m a 29 year old, purpose driven lady who comes from eNqutu in KwaZulu Natal but currently resides in Pretoria. I am an entrepreneur slash aspiring anthropologist who is passionate about Africa and its future.

YV: What was your entrepreneurial experience as a kid like?

My siblings and I were raised by a hardworking mother who worked from 6am till 9pm in a supermarket she owned, I think this helped me somehow to pick the entrepreneurial spirit from her. I remember in high school selling snacks and biscuits, keeping a book of who owed me and the stock I had. Back then, I did it for fun but little did I know the impact it’d later have on me and I am grateful for that.

YV: Tell us about AzaniaZulu Creations?

AzaniaZulu Creations is a company founded in the year 2011. It houses a clothing brand called AzaniaZulu, offers photography and travel services. The clothing brand is more on an urban note and currently has a range of golf shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, scarves and accessories. AzaniaZulu Photography covers events, individual portfolios, corporate functions, etc. AzaniaZulu Travel is still in its infancy but in the future it’ll offer African-centred travel services to keen travellers.

YV: What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I want to influence the world and I plan to use entrepreneurship as a tool to do that. I may not be able to change the course of the river but I sure can be that drop of dye that changes the colour of it and that, for me, is influence.

YV: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The fact that I am taking charge of my destiny and life and that I am impacting other people’s lives while doing it, nothing gives me peace than knowing that through what I do, I am able to influence others.

YV: Describe your designs for AzaniaZulu Clothing in one word.

Youthful.

YV: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement running AzaniaZulu Creations?

Having single-handedly and successfully run the company for two straight years I believe is an achievement on its own.

YV: You’ve travelled across the African continent, how has the journey been like?

Thrilling, overwhelming, enlightening, empowering and FUN. At first, it was all about fulfilling curiosity and wanderlust but now it has grown to be a tool I use to collect information which I can later share with others. Having travelled to nine African countries has definitely broadened my view and changed my perception towards Africa. All the journeys and experiences will be put together in a book of which I am currently finalizing.

YV: As a young entrepreneur, what’s the single most important reason for your success?

Associating myself with likeminded people, taking advantage of the technologies available to market and sell the brand and services, networking and attending business seminars.. doing this has helped me a great deal.

YV: What’s the biggest thing you struggle with as an entrepreneur?

Time management, I am yet to master that. I believe once an entrepreneur manages their time well, everything else can and usually falls into place.

YV: What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entrepreneur?

I have what I call an hour of motivation where I listen to the world’s leading motivational speakers like Les Brown, Brian Tracy, John C Maxwell, etc. I love having it in the morning because my mind is clear then and willing to absorb all the positivity. So that helps me a lot to look toward any day with much positivity and zeal.

YV: What entrepreneurial hacks have you developed to stay focused and productive in your day-to-day?

Reading online business magazines helps to keep me upbeat and stay abreast.
The art of daily goal-setting helps to keep one focused.

YV: How would you like people to remember you?

The one whose life benefitted others.

YV: Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now?

Having positively influenced the youth of Africa to take charge of their own lives and their future and seeing AzaniaZulu having an African-wide and impact, if not world-wide.

YV: If you could offer a first-time entrepreneur only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Find yourself mentors, people who can influence you positively. I can’t stress this enough.

YV: How can customers get your products?

Through the website www.azaniazulu.com

FB Page: AzaniaZulu
The Love House, 523 De Kock Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria.
The Movement OneStop Shop, 51 Station Road, Observatory, Cape Town.