Startup Story
From a young age, Lucricia Malunga, the co-founder and ceo at J Brew Solutions in South Africa, has been passionate about transforming lives and building a business empire. Today, she is driven by a profound desire to create meaningful change and build a lasting business legacy. At just 16, she set out on a mission to establish a diverse portfolio of businesses that not only thrive across various industries but also make a positive impact on communities.
LoA spoke to the mission-driven Lucricia Malunga about her entrepreneurial journey and what drives her to achieve her business and personal goals.
How did you embark on your entrepreneurial journey?
In my early 20s, I ventured into the dynamic world of recruitment and immediately discovered a deep-seated passion for connecting individuals with opportunities that transform their lives. This journey eventually led me to the exciting realm of technology, where I found another avenue to drive innovation and empowerment. The intersection of recruitment and technology inspired me to create ventures that embody these passions.
“We believe that the strongest defense against cyber threats lies in empowering people, the most critical layer of security.”
What does your company do?
We are a dedicated team focused on delivering comprehensive IT consulting and cybersecurity services tailored for businesses of all sizes. We believe that the strongest defense against cyber threats lies in empowering people, the most critical layer of security. Our services include:
Security Awareness Training: Empowering teams with the knowledge to identify and respond to potential cyber threats effectively.
Behaviour Analytics: Proactively monitoring and analysing workforce behaviour to detect and mitigate risks before they escalate.
Developer-First Security: Integrating robust security protocols within development processes to identify and address vulnerabilities early on.
By prioritizing the human element in cybersecurity, we help organizations strengthen their defences and safeguard their assets in an increasingly digital world.
J Brew Academy: Understanding the growing importance of cybersecurity, I established J Brew Academy to educate and equip individuals with the skills needed to protect themselves and pursue careers as cybersecurity professionals. Our comprehensive training programs are designed for everyday individuals seeking knowledge and aspiring experts aiming to make a difference in the field of cybersecurity.
What inspired you to start your company?
I wanted to bring technology and IT skills to under privileged communities. I saw how technology was able to change my life just by learning simple MS Excel and MS Word in one week, that was how I was able to land my first job and I wanted to pay it forward. We started off by giving Java training to unemployed youth in rural South Africa. I am inspired by creating change and impact through technology.
“By prioritizing the human element in cybersecurity, we help organizations strengthen their defences and safeguard their assets in an increasingly digital world.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
In cybersecurity, multiple layers of defense are essential. What makes us different is that we prioritize the most crucial layer: the human element because we believe it’s the last layer of defense. Given that cyber-attacks can sometimes cost companies an average of $1.5 billion, we believe prevention is better than cure. Our systems empower teams to prevent attacks before they occur. We empower everyone in organization not just the IT department.
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is comprised of a dedicated group of young professionals who are driven, results-oriented, and possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit. We're self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
At just 16 years old, I knew I was destined to build a business empire, a vision that would drive me through the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey. My path has been anything but linear, marked by pivots, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
In my early 20s, after being retrenched from my first corporate job, I took a bold step and started my first business, a recruitment agency. This initial venture was just the beginning. I soon branched out into event planning, followed by launching a nanny agency. Each new business was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve.
But the road wasn't always smooth. There were times when the businesses struggled financially, forcing me to return to the corporate world. Yet, with every setback, I gained invaluable insights and developed the resilience needed to keep pushing forward.
Finally, I found my footing with J Brew Solutions, an IT consulting and cybersecurity company. This venture represents the culmination of my experiences and the realization of my lifelong dream to create businesses that not only succeed but also make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. It has deepened my love for the entrepreneurial process and reinforced my commitment to building businesses that drive change and create lasting value. Each challenge has been a steppingstone, helping me grow stronger and more passionate about my mission to transform lives through innovative business ventures.
“This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. It has deepened my love for the entrepreneurial process and reinforced my commitment to building businesses that drive change and create lasting value.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Recognizing the escalating importance of cybersecurity, I founded J Brew Academy which is a division of J Brew Solutions, with the goal of empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard themselves and embark on rewarding careers in cybersecurity.
Our meticulously designed training programs cater to a diverse range of learners, from individuals seeking foundational understanding to aspiring experts aiming to make a significant impact in the field.
We are committed to training and certifying 80,000 women and girls across Africa, equipping them with the expertise to excel in the cybersecurity industry and contribute to a more secure digital landscape.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship for me is witnessing the tangible impact my services have on my clients' growth and success. The joy and satisfaction that clients express when I've successfully understood their needs and provided tailored solutions is truly gratifying. It's a testament to the value I can bring to their businesses and a constant source of motivation.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The best advice I can give to other women looking to start their own businesses is simple: just start. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back, because every setback is actually a step forward. Each challenge offers a valuable lesson, so embrace them as opportunities for growth.
Take your time and don’t feel pressured to scale your business too quickly. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Knowledge is power, but its true value comes from how you apply it. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and always stay connected to your 'why.' Your purpose will guide you through the ups and downs and keep you focused on your vision.
Find out more:
Email: Lucricia@jbrew.co.za
Website: http://www.jbrew.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557763872069
Twitter: https://x.com/JbrewSolutions
Why LoA loves it…
Wanting to build a business that creates a legacy and makes a difference to other people’s lives and businesses is often the inspiration for women to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. For Lucricia Malunga, that was certainly the case, and for her, the world of cybersecurity offered her the opportunity to build a business that could create lasting change and value for her clients. Today, she focuses on addressing the human element in cybersecurity to help organizations strengthen their defences and safeguard their assets in an increasingly digital world. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa