Charged Up
What does your company do?
Charged Up, led by goal-driven entrepreneur Ntsako Mahlaule,Award winning entrepreneur and author of two books (The journey of becoming and Beyond boundaries )offers a range of services including digital printing, embroidery, photography, and clothing manufacturing. Founded in 2018, our team of 7 employees is dedicated to delivering excellence and quality service. Our services include:
- Digital printing: banners, stickers, billboards, business cards, and more
- Embroidery: custom uniforms for departments, hospitals, schools, and more
- Photography: studio and outdoor shoots for weddings, parties, events, and more
- Clothing manufacturing: bespoke clothing lines tailored to client needs
Based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, we also host the annual Charged Up Africa Entrepreneurship Network, partnering with stakeholders and business leaders to educate on entrepreneurship, funding access, and networking opportunities.
What is your biggest success?
Some of my biggest success includes
- Winning esteemed awards: Best Innovative Entrepreneur, Best Local Brand, MTN's Best Entrepreneur, and Top 2 Entrepreneur by the Hollywood Foundation.
- Empowering 7 individuals through employment, positively impacting their lives.
- Expanding to a spacious 363 sqm office, featuring a clothing showcase, photography studios, and a printing warehouse.
- Publishing two books, sharing my entrepreneurial insights.
- Hosting Charged Up Africa Entrepreneurship Network annually, partnering with business leaders to foster entrepreneurship and access to funding.
These milestones showcase my entrepreneurial journey's impact, growth, and commitment to empowering others."
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle was coming from a financially unstable background, which meant I had to start my business from scratch with limited resources. I had to be resourceful and wear multiple hats, handling everything from marketing to operations, and even selling my products on the streets, distributing pamphlets to raise awareness about my business. There were times when people doubted me and laughed at my endeavors, but I didn't let that discourage me. Instead, I channeled my energy into working hard and persevering. Today, I'm proud to say that my determination paid off. I've overcome those challenges and achieved significant success, employing a team of people who help me drive my business forward, and operating from my own headquarters where all our production takes place. It's a testament to the power of hard work and resilience in the face of adversity.