uMhlanga entrepreneur, Shahzaadee Ballim, shares her thoughts on entrepreneurship in a male-dominated industry.
Q: In a nutshell, please outline your background.
A: I was raised in Durban, and as a child I spent many a weekend at my grandfather’s business, Hammarsdale Wholesalers. As I grew into my latter years, I would frequent my dad’s import wholesale and distribution business – which was the greatest learning experience for me. Unfortunately, at the time I did not see it that way and remember becoming rather perturbed that I had to do monotonous tasks like counting stock and double-checking invoicing.
It most certainly was no ordinary childhood and I watched my dad face many an obstacle and challenge. While doing my tertiary education my dad took ill and I stepped in to assist him. He later passed away and I recall feeling overwhelmed, especially as I needed to start from scratch – which I did – and grow the business to the success it is today.
In 2015 I felt I needed to diversify and applied to Engen in the hope of becoming a dealer, which was always a dream of mine. In 2017 I took over Engen uShaka at the Point Waterfront in Durban. I am blessed to be married to an extremely supportive husband and have two beautiful children, Ariana and Ra’eed. Having a husband who encourages, guides and supports your dreams as a female entrepreneur is pivotal.
Q: Being the owner of a petrol station could be seen by many as being in a male-dominated industry. How do you cope in this tough sector?
A: I have found that brands like Engen are very excited about recruiting female dealers and the number of females in this industry have grown considerably.
This industry is very much like other sectors – as a woman you have a voice, and as long as you are not afraid to have your voice heard, as well as the confidence and tenacity to know you are just as capable as your fellow male peers, you will succeed.
Q: From experience, how does one build a successful business?
A: Decide what it is you want your business to represent, focus on your core principles, plan, come up with a strategy, build a solid company culture as happy staff equals happy clients, but most important of all, always keep your integrity intact. Do not be disheartened by failure, it is part of the process, always keep going. There are many entrepreneurs who are happy to mentor someone who wants to learn – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
A: The daily challenges, particularly as I thrive under pressure, but most importantly the satisfaction of achieving my goals. There is no feeling quite as rewarding as watching a business you started flourish, with the knowledge that you helped the economy grow in the process as well.
Q: What are the biggest challenges of being an entrepreneur?
A: It can escalate into a lonely journey which is why it’s important to find a group of like-minded peers who you can learn and aspire from. For me it was the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation. You are the sum total of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely. Cash flow can be challenging, especially as your business grows or in unexpected circumstances such as the recent pandemic.
Q: What is one hard lesson you have learnt in your industry?
A: Not everyone wants to see you succeed. Understand that you need to believe in yourself more than anyone else, and make sure you’re a step ahead in everything you set your mind to do.
Q: Your advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A: Take the initial first step, which in itself is the hardest part, as you don’t know what you are capable of doing until you do it. All it takes is hard work and determination. Block out negativity and focus on your strengths; you will have many obstacles and you will put in many hours, but it will all be worth it in the end. Make sure you never stop seeking knowledge and always emphatically make time for self-care.