By Tania Reid, chief experience officer, ithemba office solutions

After taking the courageous leap of faith to walk away from stability and a guaranteed monthly salary to become an entrepreneur, why would you play small?

We are building empires whilst still being mums, wives, daughters, sisters and partners. Holding down multiple positions of doctor, story-teller, homework-checker, sports clothes finder, shower and brushing teeth marshall, gourmet chef, party organiser, grocery aisle finder, psychologist and CFO, CEO, COO of the household. And you dare to refer to your commitment, sacrifice, sleepless nights, working into the early hours of the morning as a ‘small’ business. There isn’t a woman alive who hasn’t dealt with gender or income inequality. There are enough societal influences that creates the perception that woman are less than, so why would you agree with that?

When I pitch my business, I pitch for all women who think they don’t have the confidence to. When I share my entrepreneurial journey, I’m trying to inspire other women to pursue their dreams. And when I collaborate with and support other woman-owned businesses, I’m saying let’s support each other by lifting each other up.

We need to realize that it’s not about us and if women are still struggling with the same issues in years to come that we are now, then our playing small didn’t benefit anyone. I have always owned an empire, even when it was just me for the first 3 years, because I realised that dimming my light to make others feel comfortable isn’t going to change the world.

Tania Reid is the founder and chief experience officer of ithemba office solutions based in South Africa, and has over 17 years of sales experience in office automation, stationery and consumables. She is known for her honesty, excellent customer care skills and that she runs her life and business with integrity. Tania is a big believer in “When you are Blessed, you Bless others”. She won the opportunity to go to Australia to represent the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship by joining serial entrepreneur, Creel Price on the Ultimate Growth Adventure Bootcamp and pitched her business to James Caan of Dragons Den fame. So twice a month she shares her entrepreneurial journey with recovering addicts of the Phela Give Back organization at the Booysens LDAC Wellness Centre and also contributes monthly to events held for the aged at the Kensington Old Age Home, Cape Town which is also her hometown.