As International Women’s Day has just passed, this one is for the ladies and its simple: you are enough. Too often, women doubt themselves, questioning whether they are good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. Society, pressure, and expectations can weigh us down, making us feel like we must constantly prove our worth. But today, I want to shift that mindset.
When I speak to young girls in schools, I love using a simple but powerful visual. I take a crisp R100, I ask them what it's worth, then, I crumple it, step on it, even throw it on the ground, and ask again, “How much is this worth” Still R100 because no matter what happens to the note, its value never changes. And just like that R100, your value is never diminished—no matter what you go through, no matter how many setbacks you face, no matter what anyone says about you. You are inherently valuable. You are worthy. You are enough.
This truth doesn’t just apply in your personal life—it applies to your career, your ambitions, and your dreams. How many times have you hesitated to raise your hand for a promotion, to take on a leadership role, or to step into an opportunity because you thought, "Oh, I’m not good enough"? Let me tell you something—you are! It all starts in your mind. If you believe you are good enough, then you are! The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t talent—it’s belief. The people who achieve great things are the ones who step forward and say, “Why not me?”
Yes, people will say rude things. I have had my fair share of critics. But here’s what I’ve learned: some people will like you, some won’t, and the rest couldn’t care less. So why waste time worrying? Go after whatever it is your heart desires. You are meant to do well in this life. You are worthy of success, happiness, and fulfilment—but you have to make it happen, it’s not going to fall in your lap out of the sky.
And where does it all start? With your self-worth.
Positive thinking isn’t just a feel-good phrase—it’s a way of life. It’s the foundation of confidence, action, and achievement. When you believe in yourself, you act differently. You take bolder steps. You push through setbacks. You refuse to settle for less than you deserve.
So here’s an exercise I encourage you to do: take out your lipstick, go to your mirror, and write these words: I AM ENOUGH. Every morning, when you look at yourself, remind yourself of that truth. Say it out loud. Believe it.
Let’s do it together right now:
Repeat after me:
I AM ENOUGH.
Again, I AM ENOUGH.
And now, like you truly mean it—I AM ENOUGH!
Now go out there and get ready to take on anything this week and remember to put your hand up and GO FOR IT.
Much Love
Margaret
Margaret Hirsch is the Executive Director of the Hirsch’s Group, the largest independently owned Appliance and Electronics retail outlet in Southern Africa that is now in its 45th year. She is already the enviable recipient of many international and local awards for her business, social and charitable work which has uplifted communities around the country. For many years, she has been heavily involved with Women and Youth Empowerment projects throughout Southern Africa. Margaret is passionate about women in business and entrepreneurship. She runs networking clubs at all her branches for Women In Business, encouraging mentorship programmes. Her door is always open to women who want advice on how to make their businesses grow. www.margarethirsch.co.za
More articles by Margaret…
by Margaret Hirsch
Over the past four and a half decades, I’ve watched retail evolve in ways we never imagined possible, from handwritten invoices and Sunday newspaper ads (as well as being on the back page of the local newspapers) to e-commerce, apps, social media, and AI. Its always been my belief that if something can make your life better, why not embrace it? I remember getting the first ever cellphone in Durban which was the size of a brick and being so proud to show people that I could talk to the office from their homes! We have always tried to be ahead of the pack, way back from the time we introduced the microwave oven to peoples homes by starting the first independent microwave cookery school in South Africa. Even now we run workshops in our Samsung stores for clients who want to get the most out of their new cellphones, nothing is too simple – I showed a 90 year old how to use Whatsapp to speak to his great-grandchildren in Australia on Facetime and he got such a kick out of it!!
by Margaret Hirsch
In today’s fast-paced world of viral hacks, overnight influencers, and instant gratification, it’s easy to believe that success should come quickly. That if you're not "crushing it" within a few months, you're failing. But here’s the truth I’ve lived and learned: you can’t microwave success.
by Margaret Hirsch
If there’s one quality that has kept me moving forward, through decades of business, changing economies, and personal growth, it’s curiosity. Not certainty. Not having all the answers. Not even a flawless plan. Just the simple willingness to ask, “What if?”
by Margaret Hirsch
As International Women’s Day has just passed, this one is for the ladies and its simple: you are enough. Too often, women doubt themselves, questioning whether they are good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. Society, pressure, and expectations can weigh us down, making us feel like we must constantly prove our worth. But today, I want to shift that mindset.
by Margaret Hirsch
In business, success isn’t just about having the best products or the biggest advertising budget—it’s about building genuine relationships. People buy from those they know, like, and trust. That’s why, for the past 46 years, Hirsch's Homestore has been more than just a brand; we’ve been a family, a community, and a trusted partner in homes across the country.
by Margaret Hirsch
January is here, and with it comes the buzz of big goals, vision boards, and promises to ourselves that this year will be different. But let’s be honest—setting goals is the easy part. The real magic happens in the small, daily actions that bring those goals to life.
by Margaret Hirsch
As the clock ticks toward the start of a new year, there’s an air of anticipation, a sense of possibility that anything can happen. This year, let’s go beyond mere resolutions. Let’s focus on thriving—both professionally and personally. Thriving means more than just surviving the day-to-day grind; it’s about flourishing, finding joy, and achieving your highest potential.
by Margaret Hirsch
As we approach the new year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past and the opportunities that lie ahead. Each year, I choose a guiding word that encapsulates my focus and intention for the months to come. For 2025, my word is collaboration.
by Margaret Hirsch
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the festive buzz, the shopping lists, and the year-end rush. But I’ve found that this time of year isn’t just about closing the books on another year—it’s about planting seeds for what’s to come. While we’re stringing up holiday lights, we should also be stringing together our plans and dreams for 2025. Let’s talk about how to finish this year with purpose and step into the new one with intention.
by Margaret Hirsch
As we approach the final weeks of 2024, now is the perfect time to reflect on the year so far, assess how far we've come, and set our sights on finishing strong. But as we look ahead, we must also think about how to position ourselves for success in 2025. After all, you can’t hit a target you can’t see.
by Margaret Hirsch
In retail, we all know that challenges are part of the journey—whether it’s an economic downturn, shifting consumer habits, or global disruptions. But what sets successful retailers apart isn’t avoiding tough times—it’s how we respond to them. I’ve always believed that the challenges we face are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, innovation, and comebacks.
by Margaret Hirsch
Burnout is now a buzzword but what is it actually? My philosophy is that if you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life and you will never have burnout. Burnout to me is not being able to cope with your workload. Why don’t people cope?
by Margaret Hirsch
My boss is 27, why is that so strange? Mostly because I am 74 and have been my own boss for the past 45 years. What made me do this, the law! I qualified as a Realtor in Florida but the law states that you have to work for a broker for two years before you can start your own business. I thought I would battle to get a job but to my surprise I have been offered over 250 jobs! That was really amazing. I didn’t even have to go for the interview, I would have the job if I wanted it. After sifting through most of the offers, I narrowed it down to 3, the biggest company in the USA, a boutique smaller company and then a brand-new company run by a 27 year old.
by Margaret Hirsch
Most people go to Business School first and then go into business. I did it the other way around. There was no money to pay for any tertiary education, so I went straight to work and then I went into business not knowing anything about business or how it worked. I always tell people I attended the school of hard knocks!! Remember, in the words of the great Rocky, ‘It’s not how many times you get knocked over, it’s how many times you just keep getting up!’ However, once I made it and made my fortune, I went back to school and did my Business Degree, my Honours, and ultimately my MBA which I received the year I turned 70.
by Margaret Hirsch
As many of you know my goal in life is to ensure that every woman, especially every African woman is financially independent. A financially independent woman has choices. She has money in the bank, she can live where she wants, she can drive the car she wants to drive, he can educate her children and, she can please herself. There is a old saying: "If you please yourself, at least you are pleasing someone.”
by Margaret Hirsch
Are you stuck in a job that pays well, puts a roof over your head and food on the table, but secretly, deep down, you really wish you could be doing something else?Something that would really fill your cup. I had this conversation with a friend recently. She has just turned 40 and is in a really good, well-paying job. She is top of her game but just feels that there is more out there. That’s exactly how I felt a few years ago and so I decided to make a change.
by Margaret Hirsch
I have to say that I have had an ongoing affair with Google since I first discovered it. In business today, we need all the help we can get, and staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity!! Connecting with your audience is the name of the game- it’s like having a dinner party, cooking the food, laying the table, and not inviting any guests! How do you get those guests (customers) into your store?
by Margaret Hirsch
Everything we do is geared towards being happy and feeling good about ourselves - however in life sh*t happens, life hacks you down and your job is to get up, dust yourself off and do whatever you need to do to feel good again. Some people exercise, some drink, some go shopping, some just curl up and stay in bed- what do you do when you don’t feel good about yourself?
by Margaret Hirsch
My mother was English and throughout my life my conversations with her have always been peppered with sayings and idioms. My favourite saying is one by Albert Einstein which says "Your imagination is the preview to coming attractions” and this is so true in your life. This quote emphasises the profound significance of imagination in our lives. Imagination is more than just idle daydreaming; it is the catalyst for innovation and progress. It allows us to envision possibilities that do not yet exist and serves as a plan for creating the future.
by Margaret Hirsch
The way to conquer any fear of change is to display an open-mindedness to new ideas and desires in your life. To get ahead one has to demonstrate a willingness to do things differently from everyone else and this in itself is a challenge as it’s so much easier to go with the flow - to fit in - to be one of the sheep.
by Margaret Hirsch
No one has ever taken selling as a subject at school, yet over 90% of all business involves selling of one kind or another. When you hear the word salesman what usually comes to mind is a slick looking, fast talking, slimy person who is trying to take your hard-earned money from you. Well today and especially at Hirsch's Homestore, nothing could be further from the truth. Our salespeople are very kind, considerate people and they are known as "professional solution finders.” All day is spent finding solutions to other people’s problems. Be it from the perfect piece of toast for breakfast, to the most cost-efficient washing machine for a family of two, or ten; to the latest fridge/freezers which actually send you a message when your food is about to expire or run out! We have to know the model numbers, the features and benefits and of course the prices!
by Margaret Hirsch
The quote by Elinor Roosevelt goes: “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” Once you know this you can stop yourself being pulled into the conversations discussing other people - they are not worthy of your time. Events also come and go but discussing ideas, now that’s not only thought provoking but can be mind-blowing.
by Margaret Hirsch
The only thing holding you back from living the life of your dreams is FEAR. Now fear comes in many different forms. I always tell my team members that it can either be:
False Evidence Appearing Real … or… Forget Everything And Run
by Margaret Hirsch
Collaboration is the name of the game! The old African saying “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together,” it is so true, in business as well. I see so many startups who go really fast and then fail.
by Margaret Hirsch
As traditional offices evolve into virtual workspaces, the impact of working from home on individuals is undeniable. We were forced into this during Covid and suddenly Zoom became a household word and we were able to continue working from home which felt really strange initially - but it was so super to be able to go to the loo without walking across a busy shop and to make a cup of tea when you felt like it and not wait for the “tea lady” to bring it to you at 10am and 3 pm!
by Margaret Hirsch
As you know I am a huge advocate for family businesses. Where do they start? Well with a couple getting married and one or both deciding that they want out of the usual routine of working for someone else and making a living, they decide they want to work for themselves and make a fortune.
by Margaret Hirsch
As we celebrate Women’s Day this week, I thought I would devote this to all of you wonderful women out there. My favourite story of all time - the first part happy - the second part sad. Our job as women is to change this narrative!
by Margaret Hirsch
When starting a new job or career very few people think of themselves as leaders and I was one of these. For a while I was happy to be a follower, but as I progressed in companies I always took the initiative, went the extra mile, and was very soon frustrated by the red tape and protocol of corporate companies.
by Margaret Hirsch
It’s always been amazing to me that I have lived in this body for so many years, and had never thought about myself, my journey, or my personal growth. I think that growing up in a poor household we were focused on keeping body and soul together and the next meal became the most important thing that we could focus on.
Leadership is not about titles, authority, or being in charge. It’s about taking ownership. At the heart of every successful team or business lies one powerful trait: accountability. When leaders lead by example and take full responsibility for their actions, their words carry weight and their teams thrive.