by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa
I was watching the after-show of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Tokyo on TV recently, and I experienced goosebumps as I watched South Africans from all walks of life sing “Shozoloza” in unity outside the stadium. It was electrifying and heart-warming. Sometimes we focus so much on what makes us different from each other, that we tend to forget how similar we actually are, and what makes our country so unique.
Here’s a scenario; you are on holiday in Europe and you are travelling by train. You and your husband or traveling partner are surprised to hear someone on the other side of the carriage, speak in your home language! You make an effort to subtly make your presence known, or if you’re truly South African, you will go around and introduce yourself with a lekker big hug!
It’s that unsaid knowing that you are from the same place, and you have had similar experiences that no-one else in that carriage had before. It’s that silent code that we are different, but also the same.
I saw it again this morning as I drove to my Sunday market when I saw two sets of cyclists going in different directions but when they passed each other, they waved. There is so much knowing in that nod, and if you do not exercise or train, you wouldn’t get it or understand. In the Black culture, they call it “The Nod”. “It’s an act of recognition and respect that is accomplished by raising and lowering your head (nodding) in a public place, and you want to show respect for their presence.”
In a hilarious scene of the American series, “Blackish”, they explain: “It’s a nod that says, “I see you.” In an environment when you’re in the minority, as the Johnsons are, the nod serves as an all-purpose, you’re not alone statement to someone else who is also in the minority. Sometimes, that simple acknowledgment and metaphorical pat on the back speaks volumes.”
It made me think of us as female entrepreneurs, how we are still in minority. Women are still in the minority when it comes to South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. More than half of South Africa’s population is female, yet only 34% of SMEs are women-led, according to survey conducted by Facebook in partnership with the World Bank and OECD. (source: SME Africa)
We are all on different stages of our businesses, but we have more in common than we think. We mostly face the same struggles; being undermined by men in general, lack of access to capital, high domestic responsibility, different upbringing and cultures, etc. And in many cases we face judgement from fellow women not wanting to celebrate each other. Why do we allow this kind of behaviour when we should be standing together and moving as a collective rather? How do you do this you ask?
Being a female entrepreneur is a lonely place. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and meet like-minded women.
Don’t be intimidated by what other women have achieved…instead celebrate them.
Be a mentor or reach out to another accomplished woman who is willing to mentor you.
Show acknowledgement and help celebrate their victories.
Respect our struggle as a collective…we are more similar than we think. If you are at means, try and assist with a challenge a fellow entrepreneur is experiencing. We are stronger together!
Give her a nod and even a hug…you never know what she is going through and how much she might need a friend.
Be genuine in everything you do. People can smell a fake a mile away!
I want to put out a challenge to us all; acknowledge a female entrepreneur every time you see one. Go and introduce yourself and start a conversation. Nod at her…acknowledge her, celebrate her and show respect for who she is, and her struggle. If you are at means, give her a hand-up, introduce her to one of your contacts, and send that email to your friend who could help her. Let’s come together and build our country and continent. As women we are more than able!
Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable products made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self-taught designer and initially started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. The company manufactures a variety of products, from storage holders, lamps, to dinner table accessories, among others. All materials are carefully sourced from waste and sustainably reimagined as beautiful, yet purposeful products. Eco-friendly, handcrafted and 100% South African, each Lilly Loompa piece, once trash, is now a meaningful piece of treasure.
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | Read Lizl's startup story here.
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