For many would-be entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa, opportunities can be hard to come by, but one woman entrepreneur, Lizelle Coombs, through her group of companies is trying to change that through her approach to training and support services that give hope to these aspirations.
LoA found out more about this unique entrepreneurial venture from its founder, Lizelle Coombs.
What does your company do?
We have a few companies rolled into one turnkey solution that provides a plethora of entrepreneurial training and support services for township entrepreneurs, as well as employment opportunities both nationally and internationally.
"We have a few companies rolled into one turnkey solution that provides a plethora of entrepreneurial training and support services for township entrepreneurs."
What inspired you to start your company?
I have been doing training and project management all my life. What made me start my various businesses in support of entrepreneurship and empowerment of women was the time I spent with cloaked superstars living in sometimes very sad places. I could see the passion in their eyes when I ask them what they really want to do, not what they have to do to survive. It brought tears to my eyes to see lost potential because of things as simple as lack of opportunity and simple business support. Every day I strive to surround myself with powerful women (and sometimes men) who keep me motivated to continue. I plug away to build partnerships with people who can provide me with resources and tools to help put wind under the wings of our next generation of leaders and superneurs. I absolutely love what I do.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We motivate, inspire, educate and uplift - if you need any of that, we are the place for you!.
"What made me start my various businesses in support of entrepreneurship and empowerment of women was the time I spent with cloaked superstars living in sometimes very sad places."
Tell us a little about your team
The team spreads across a number of companies as on our website. Together we make absolute magic in supporting entrepreneurs and those who feel they have no value left in life. We have so much to offer, each one of us with our own unique personalities, skills and qualifications. Come and meet us or at least find us via the links on www.lizellecoombs.com.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I do not really come from a family of entrepreneurs, but yet both my brother and sister are successful lifestyle entrepreneurs. The bug bit me when I had an opportunity to follow a fondness I have of admin, and started a small outsourcing firm called admin house. Once I found my feet in the independence and freedom of being my own boss, I could never return to employment again, no matter how hard the journey.
"Every day I strive to surround myself with powerful women (and sometimes men) who keep me motivated to continue. I plug away to build partnerships with people who can provide me with resources and tools to help put wind under the wings of our next generation of leaders and superneurs."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To become a well known and preferred supplier for entrepreneurs and corporates.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing the success of others achieved through our interventions.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
In the words of Victor Frankle - find something you love to do, then do it to distraction. Stay focused on that which lights up your heart and soul and never give up on it.
Contact or follow Lizelle Coombs
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | EMAIL lizelle@lizellecoombs.com
Why LoA loves it….
For many would-be entrepreneurs, particularly in the townships of South Africa, it is difficult to find the right type of support to get businesses off the ground, and then to keep them running afterwards. Lizelle Coombs is one entrepreneur on a mission to provide a solution, offering both essential training and a range of support services, to make a difference. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa