Cultivating Dreams from the Ground Up

In the vibrant landscape of South Africa, where resilience and ingenuity often blossom from challenging circumstances, stands Karabo Mufamadi. A participant in the New Venture Creation learnership, Karabo's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief, hard work, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.

Growing up in a large family of six children, Karabo readily acknowledges that her childhood was "not perfect" but emphasizes the unwavering love and support she received. Despite facing disadvantages, she developed a knack for resourcefulness, a trait that would later fuel her entrepreneurial endeavours. "Mom and Dad made sure we were provided for, and we had everything we needed. We never went to bed hungry, we were always well looked after and received so much love which Dad kept on giving after mom’s passing," she fondly recalls. This foundation of care, coupled with the need to "always figure things out," shaped her into a determined and proactive individual.

Karabo's aspirations have always leaned towards independence. "Always wanted to be a writer," she states with conviction. After matriculating, the frustrating reality of limited experience and lack of opportunities during her job hunt sparked a pivotal realization: "I do not want to work for someone, I want to become my own boss, have staff so that I can create employment. I would like to have at least 3 branches." This desire to not only build her own success but also to uplift others is a driving force behind her ambition.

Her journey into entrepreneurship has been marked by experimentation and learning, with the help from her fiancé she had to keep moving. From selling sweets to offering nail services and crafting ponytails, Karabo has shown a willingness to try, adapt, and persevere. While some ventures faced setbacks, each experience provided valuable lessons. Currently, she's found a promising niche in homemade soaps with natural ingredients, alongside her returning ponytail business and nail services. The positive feedback on her soaps, enhancing natural glow and reducing blemishes, underscores her keen eye for identifying market needs and creating effective solutions.

When asked about her potential path without the learnership, Karabo admits uncertainty. "Oh, that is a difficult answer, I am not sure. I would not have gotten the information I needed from anywhere else." This highlights the significant impact the New Venture Creation program has had on her trajectory.

The learnership has equipped Karabo with crucial business acumen. "The Learnership helped me understand a lot of different aspects of business, things that have helped me a lot being finances, marketing, advertising but most importantly Teamwork," she explains. While initially preferring to work independently, she now recognizes the value of collaboration. Skills like public speaking and interpersonal communication have also significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth.

Looking ahead, Karabo's long-term goals are deeply rooted in her passion for the beauty industry, with a focus on natural and raw ingredients. "Start with what you have, you can start small, work with what you have, your hands can make beautiful things," she passionately states. Her vision extends beyond personal success, encompassing the creation of employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. Her message is clear and empowering: "If you love something, do that. If you do not have a job, start something, your hands can do wonderful things."

The learnership journey hasn't been without its challenges. The initial workload felt overwhelming, and the final assessment sparked considerable nervousness. However, Karabo's experience serves as a powerful reminder that facing fears can lead to unexpected discoveries and passions. "I think the point is, even if you are scared and nervous, still just do it. You may surprise yourself," she reflects.

Beyond the formal training, the workplace experience provided an unexpected and deeply meaningful lesson. "It did, I thought a workplace would just focus on work. With us, we built a family, and our facilitator was our parent, I would really look forward to going into the office, being with my people, I enjoyed my work so much. It was a new and beautiful perspective on work environments, and a warm home." This highlights the importance of a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

In a heartfelt message to the Sponsor, the organization behind the learnership, Karabo expresses profound gratitude: "A very big thank you for the opportunity, I was trying to figure this journey for myself, and I never thought I would be chosen. I appreciate the love and knowledge that helped me grow. New Venture has given me so many new ideas and goals where today I have a salon of my own."

Karabo Mufamadi's story is a powerful illustration of how passion, resilience, and the right opportunities can converge to cultivate dreams. As she continues to build her entrepreneurial vision, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring learners and a testament to the transformative power of the New Venture Creation learnership.