TEDA channels opening doors for women empowerment in Tshwane

It is not difficult to understand the importance of establishing and running a business as a black woman in South Africa where the import and export industry is mostly male dominated. However, historic disadvantages have created an opportunity for black women to establish themselves and run their own companies without limitations.

As an emerging entrepreneur within the industrial space based in Pretoria, my business journey is nothing short of excitement and challenges as a businesswoman and mother.

My journey so far has been challenging, character testing, building, highly exciting and fulfilling. I started off platting hair from a young age while in high school then graduated National Diploma in Tourism Management, later in life I worked for SAA as a cabin crew member, then moved to travel trade consultant within the airline while running an events management company and selling clothes from the boot of my car.

As a self-starter, it has not been easy to run a local and export business without challenges ranging from lack of funding to getting a trustworthy supplier to help with the growing number of clients. I established Creinex Management in 2017 with the goal to lead a dynamic, innovative business that meets the demand of the 4th industrial revolution and channel growth and economic development in Tshwane and South Africa.

Relationship with TEDA

Entrepreneurship had been a lonely journey till I met the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), while seeking funds only to find that one of their mandates is to promote the city’s economic growth in the export market. They introduced my business to a lucrative export market that has a big potential for the bulk bags that I supply. Having spent most the time using personal credit cards and loans from siblings to fund the business, TEDA’s assistance gave me my first big break.

TEDA’s efforts and exposure have up opened so many channels for Creinex Management to exhibit with other global export companies, which has resulted in us acquiring an export licence to trade internationally and exhibiting our product in Botswana at a Global expo. Currently, Creinex was selected by the Department of Trade and Industry for National Pavilions (incentives) to take part in the Expomin mining exhibition in Santiago later in the year and Caminex Agricultural and multi sectoral exhibition in Zambia.

Despite all the challenges I had faced, I continue to believe in myself knowing that I have identified great prospects in the industrial space which has opened other doors for me and upcoming female entrepreneurs within Tshwane and South Africa.
Empowerment of young black female entrepreneurs

Young black females need to understand that starting and running your own business is not as easy as it looks in the movies. There are challenges in all aspects of running a business and they need you to be resilient and focused on your end goals.

They need to believe in themselves and their abilities and keep in mind that the journey starts when you do not give up on their dreams. They need to identify gaps in the market, be innovative thinkers, solution driven and never be ashamed of seeking help. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive family that never gives up on me and my dreams.

About Oliva Segooa
Olivia is the founder and CEO of Creinex Management breaking the glass ceiling in the export industry by manufacturing and supplying bulk bags internationally known as FIBC(Flexible Intermediary bulk containers, small polypropylene bags, planter bags, grow bags commonly used for minerals(copper, coals etc),fertilizers, cement, chemicals,, sand, animal feeds, grains, and other foods, Planting big trees, and growing plants.

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