Usivile Vaaltein

What does your company do?

My first company involves buying ladies sandals from a supplier and selling them to students at my university. As a student I saw a need in the market for stylish and affordable footwear and decided to meet that need by sourcing sandals and selling them at a price point that was accessible to students. In 2022 I started my second company which is a mobility business that transports female students to their destinations at an affordable price, while prioritizing their safety as human trafficking rate is very high in South Africa. I started by securing the relevant documents for transporting passengers, such as a PrDP and roadworthiness checks, and I was able to provide students with a sense of security and peace of mind when using my own vehicle. I believe that my businesses have been successful because of my dedication to providing quality products and services, as well as my commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. I am proud of the work I have done so far, and I am excited to continue growing my businesses and expanding my reach.

What is your biggest success?

As a young entrepreneur, I have achieved a great deal of success so far. I have identified a need in the market for affordable ladies sandals, and I have met that need by selling them to students at my university. I have also built strong relationships with my customers, suppliers, and employees, and they have put their trust in me and my businesses. I have taken the initiative to start my businesses and make them a success, and I am proud of what I have achieved so far. I am confident that I will continue to grow and achieve even more success. As I look to the future, I am determined to keep expanding my businesses and meeting the needs of my customers. I plan to diversify my product line to include more affordable and fashionable products, and I am considering expanding my reach to other universities. I will also continue to build strong relationships with my suppliers and employees, as they are an essential part of my success. By staying focused and committed to my goals, I am confident that I will continue to achieve great things.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle so far has been gaining the trust and confidence of my customers and suppliers. As a young entrepreneur, I did not have much experience or a long track record of success, so it was difficult to convince others to take a chance on me. However, I have proven myself to be a hard worker and a reliable businessperson, and I have earned the trust of my customers and suppliers. To expand on that point, I'd like to emphasize that building trust is an ongoing process, and it requires a lot of time and effort. You have to consistently deliver on your promises, and you have to always act with integrity and honesty. It's not something that can be achieved overnight, but it's worth the effort because it will ultimately lead to more success and growth.