Impact Partner Content - Absa
Every business and organisation needs to get its brand message across to its customers and audiences, and to ensure it has that all important visibility in the marketplace. In South Africa, Tshepiso Branding Solutions, cofounded by Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, is a company bringing both brand expertise and solutions to suit all needs.
Tshepiso Branding Solutions is one of the 117 companies showcased at the Absa Lionesses Xpo. Lioness Weekender chatted to co-founder Sarah Motshwane Sebetola to find out more.
What does your company do?
Tshepiso Branding Solutions is a South African 51% woman-owned company that offers various signage and corporate branding solutions to corporates, SME’s, individuals and various institutions. At Tshepiso Branding Solutions , we understand that branding and signage is not just putting up a sign, it's a communication tool that allows corporates to create signature and timeless brands. Tshepiso Branding Solutions strives to assist brands to have that unique identity that resonates with their stakeholders on and offline. We offer SMART corporate branding and signage solutions (from design to implementation), to enable brands to increase their awareness, get customer recognition and a credible brand persona. Our SMART solutions expose and uncover hidden gems, because we understand that if a brand is not known it will not grow!!!
What inspired you to start your company?
Firstly, being retrenched three times, twice in one year. Secondly, working for an SME and witnessing how possible it is for me to start my own as long as I am focused, determined and have a clear vision. I also have quite a diverse skillset from communications, to project management, sales, marketing and public relations. Knowing that those skills alone will not help me I partnered up with a person with financial acumen, design skills as well as experience within the corporate branding and signage industry. Our skills complement each other, and we have been able to work like a well-oiled machine, while putting our differences aside because we have our eye on the prize!!!
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Although our business model is similar to that of our competitors, we pride ourselves with the fact that we respond quicker to client requests and our service is more personalised. We are flexible enough to respond to last minute requests. We will introduce a more SMART branding solution in our endeavour to be an active participant in the creation of building South Africa as a SMART country. This is what will really set us apart.
Tell us a little about your team
There are two of us for now. My partner and I are a great team, we work well together and have different complimentary expertise that enable us to carry out daily business development tasks. While his strengths are in design, finance and with established relationships with suppliers, my strengths are in sales, marketing, business development, project management and social media management to name a few. While I can be focused on work all the time, he helps me find the much needed balance to focus on other things that matter.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
From early childhood, my grandmother raised us from being self-employed. She would stock vegetables that my siblings and I would sell in the village using a wheelbarrow. From when she dropped off the bus, we knew that we had to pack it and get on the road. We would compete with our neighbour and always got excited when our profits were more than hers. We were not ruthless just kind and knew that our next meal depended on each sale. We never went to bed hungry. In retrospect I realise that if she could empower herself against all the odds so can I. More so with the vast opportunities that are afforded to women today. I love the space I am in, as unpredictable as it is, I strongly believe that the opportunities are endless regardless of how small the business currently is. I always tell people that although we’re still small we do not think nor act small. The focus is not where we are but where we’re going and being intentional about it!!!
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To introduce SMART branding solutions in our endeavour to be an active participant in the creation of building South Africa as a SMART country. This is what will really set us apart. Having attended the Smart City Expo in Barcelona, I learned of the many different SMART solutions we can introduce in our effort to play an active role in the branding of a SMARTER South Africa.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Shared value for our clients. While it is important that we make a profit, we do not make it at all costs. We know that we are dealing with people who deserve the utmost care, respect and professionalism that will hopefully keep them loyal to our business. The most satisfaction comes from a client who is happy with what we have been able to create for them. We share in their excitement and get filled with pride with every compliment we receive. Being a creative outlet for our client’s ideas and dreams for their brands vision. While we help them realise their dreams, we realise our own. It is a perfect marriage as we are able to co-create value for each other.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Start being comfortable with being uncomfortable because the journey is so unpredictable yet fulfilling when you see the things you love come together. You will experience the most heart-wrenching, tears rolling and soul-searching moments that will build your character to continue to defy the odds. You're stronger than you think, besides there is so much support out there. Be a Lioness and let us HUNT together!!!
Find out more
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL motshwane@tshepisobranding.co.za
