Their stories, though unique, share a common thread: They’ve made their businesses work in the face of challenges. Through resilience, heart, and strategy, they’ve created brands that thrive in a competitive retail space, and also contribute to the communities around them.
The long game
Sustainability can sometimes be reduced to a marketing buzzword, Xolile and Sibusiso have embedded it deeply into their businesses. For them, it’s not just about eco-friendly practices, but about creating lasting value – both for their customers and the communities they serve.
Xolile, who makes handcrafted products, speaks candidly about how the pressure to meet retail demands has tested her. “I would wake up at 2am worrying about stock. Do we have enough zips? Enough materials to make the bags?” she recalls. Her commitment to getting it right has meant personal sacrifice, but it also reflects the long-term thinking that drives her work. “I want my business to be sustainable, not just for me, but for the people who rely on it.”
Sibusiso shares a similar approach. “It’s all about building systems,” he explains, referring to the processes he’s put in place to manage orders, maintain quality, and meet the standards of his retail partners. He learned early on that sustainability is as much about efficiency as it is about environmental impact. "I had to be honest with clients, letting them know exactly what we could deliver and when. That transparency has helped us build trust, which is critical in retail."
The key to growth
Innovation has played a central role in both entrepreneurs’ journeys. Xolile, who runs a lean operation, realised that streamlining her supply chain was essential to scaling her business. “There were days when I’d go to town thinking I’d bought enough material, only to find out I didn’t. I had to start buying in bulk to avoid the constant back-and-forth. It saved time and energy, which is what I needed to meet the demands of retail.”
For Sibusiso, innovation came through mentorship. “I worked closely with mentors who helped me understand the importance of quality control and improving our processes,” he says. That guidance was crucial as his business grew to meet the high expectations of Woolworths. His focus on refining internal systems allowed him to maintain his standards even as his customer base expanded and production ramped up.”
Committing to the long run
It’s one thing to innovate and build sustainable systems, but the true test of an entrepreneur is resilience – something both Xolile and Sibusiso have had to work at. Xolile’s journey has been marked by personal and physical sacrifice. “I’ve never known what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night, panicking about stock, until now,” she admits. The pressure of managing her health, her business, and the logistical challenges of production took a toll, both physically and emotionally. “I had back pain, sleepless nights... I had to learn to push myself through that. There were days I didn’t know how I’d get it all done, but I kept going.” Her resilience, however, led to unexpected personal growth. “I realised how strong I am. I’ve always admired my mom’s strength, but through this process, I found that same strength in myself. I’m my mother’s daughter, after all.”
Sibusiso, too, found himself pushed beyond his comfort zone. Known for his quiet, reserved nature, he had to step into the spotlight as his business grew. “I’ve always preferred staying in the background,” he says, laughing. “But this process forced me to be more visible, and it wasn’t easy.” Despite his discomfort, he recognised that telling his story was essential – not just for himself, but for the people who believed in him and his team. “Confidence comes with success,” he reflects. “The more we achieved, the more comfortable I became with the attention.”
Lessons for entrepreneurs
For those hoping to follow in Xolile and Sibusiso’s footsteps, their stories offer valuable lessons. Success in retail doesn’t come from glamour or overnight wins. It comes from hard work, innovation, and a willingness to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.
Xolile’s advice for entrepreneurs? “Get help early,” she says without hesitation. “I used to try to do everything myself, from cutting fabric to making deliveries. It took a toll. Now, I know the importance of asking for help and planning ahead.” Sibusiso echoes the importance of building the right systems early on. “You can’t be afraid to tell clients the truth,” he advises. “If you need more time, ask for it. It’s better to be transparent than to overpromise and underdeliver. Retail is about trust, and if you lose that, it’s hard to recover.”
Their journeys remind us that the path to success isn’t linear. It’s filled with obstacles, but also with growth opportunities – both personally and professionally. As their products continue to make waves, Xolile and Sibusiso remain grounded, driven by a desire to create something meaningful and lasting. For them – it’s not just about making a sale – it’s about building a business that can endure challenges, growth being one of them. Collaboration has played role in their journey – whether through partnerships, mentorships, or shared responsibilities. This aspect of their story, and the lessons they’ve learned about working with others, will be explored further in the next article in this series.
To read more about Xolile's experience as part of the Woolies Youth Makers Programme, click here: https://www.woolworths.co.za/content/article/youth-makers-xolile/_/A-cmp214851
And for Sibusiso's, head over here: https://www.woolworths.co.za/content/article/youth-makers-sibusiso/_/A-cmp214848
Images courtesy of Woolworths SA
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