At aXia Consulting we strongly believe in helping small to medium businesses. Each month we will interview a business owner to find out more about his/her entrepreneurial journey, their business as well as to get some advice from a fellow business owner. This month we are shining the spotlight on Francesca from Hub of Humble.
Tell us a little about your business and your background
I run a small online business from my home which includes items that I make myself.
This currently includes health products, sewn goodies, some kitchen creations, as well as some collaborations on natural soaps and lotions. I supply the local health shop in town as well as a gym. I’m also looking at doing various markets in my area.
My vision for my business is to create a hub of various ethical, cool and natural items that I either make myself, love using from others, or that I have collaborated on. I hope to have a little café style shop of my own to run from one day!
In the past, I have mostly worked in an office environment and my last office job was for an international sports brand. I was involved in managing a lot more than just the admin side of things. This included a lot of the behind-the-scenes planning and running of the retail chains, from forecast, to factory, to final in-store products, along with all the story highlights and marketing activations along the way. All this while still managing the day-to-day of the current season’s orders.
Health and disease is also something that has fascinated me.
So many people are ill today and don’t understand why. My mother was diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer just after her 60th birthday and it was obviously very devastating news. She has always been health conscious and active. My husband was also diagnosed with a rare blood condition which we were directed to manage with a monthly injection at a very steep price, but we didn’t see this being a viable way forward.
With understanding disease in a different light to the mainstream, we approached both situations in a natural, sustainable way and I am very pleased to say both my husband and my mother are in great health today without going the medicated route or for extreme treatments. I would like to help more people realise how simple heath care actually is, how to understand disease better, and how to prevent/reverse it.
Disclaimer: Please consult with a health professional before starting any medication or natural treatment.
What/Who inspired you to start your own business, and how has that initial inspiration evolved over time?
I witnessed my mother working for herself for most of my childhood . She did multiple, very different things, such as being a property realtor for most of the day, a swimming teacher in the afternoon during Spring/Summer and an aerobics instructor by night. She was always busy and on the go, and still managed to taxi all of us (4 children) around. We always had a cooked dinner every night and a packed lunch box for school the next day.
I observed my friend’s mother operate on their farm (an environment that I loved) doing all sorts of things from sewing, doing the day-to-day in her office, running errands, the household etc. My mum’s lifestyle combined with my friend’s mum’s lifestyle resulted in my dream of being a farmer’s wife, as I confidently told my Grade 1 teacher. My teacher had a laugh thinking I wanted to drive around in a Fortuner all day looking my best, going for coffee dates, facials and getting my nails done. All between shopping and fetching the kids from school of course.
But she was quite wrong.
Over time, I wanted to break away from a 9-5 job. I was tired of working for someone else and wanted to get better value for my time. I wanted to feel more productive, creative and connected to tasks that felt more meaningful to myself and my household.
My husband also left his 9-5 job and now farms with botanicals, so I am thrilled that I actually get to be the person I imagined when I was younger – a farmer’s wife! It wasn’t exactly my planned life goal that I was working towards but my life has gone that route naturally which is pretty cool.
I hope my teacher gets to read this.
What is a challenge you’re currently facing and what do you think will help you overcome this challenge?
Being my own boss.
I have been programmed to follow orders within already established systems. It has been a real challenge trying to create something out of nothing and to carry the full responsibility of that, rainy days included. But I need to keep my focus on the small things and be consistent in achieving them. I have learnt to deal with issues as they arise and I have a good structure in place.
As a young South African, trying to take initiative by starting a business comes with its own set of struggles due to our countries economic state. The cost of living has gotten so expensive and people are struggling to put food on the table. Most people have to really watch what they spend their hard earned money on. They stick to what they know and what they need.
I do see hope though, and a market specific to what I have to offer, and that’s why quality is of the utmost importance to me. Knowing that my customer’s money is well spent when supporting me.
There is also the issue of ethics and healthier choices, and this is something I strive to provide. I see the world as becoming more aware of going natural and using cleaner, safer products.
Can you share a significant milestone or accomplishment that you are proud of achieving in your business?
Finally finishing my website and sending that message to loved ones saying “Hey, I am alive and this is what I have been up to”.
How do you stay motivated and inspired during challenging times in your industry or market?
To be honest, this newsletter is a great example, as I get to reflect.
It’s hard to stay motivated as it’s not always sunshine and roses. I sometimes step back when things get a bit intimidating and scary. Going back to something simple and reconnecting with where the sparks and ideas started, makes me realise that I need to just keep it simple, keep going, and the slump will pass.
It reminds me of how little I knew back when I started. I can relate to my uninspired, wanting to give up current-self, by seeing how these phases are so vital for growth and new inspiration.
What is your approach to building a strong brand presence, and how do you differentiate yourself from competitors in your industry?
This, I’m finding is a full time job of its own, social media in particular.
It’s human nature to compare yourself with others and there are certainly styles and trends when it comes to how you do things which you can pressurise yourself to keep up with. It’s difficult when you don’t have the tech, team, skills or content to do so.
I would like to stay true to myself, a humble little brand, and just showcase what and how things come to heart or come together. With time, I hope to display a hub of versatility and meaningful things other than pushing product and trying to be like everyone else.
A person needs to conform to an extent but still keep their individuality.
How do you prioritise and manage your time effectively as a small business owner wearing multiple hats?
It is important to stay on top of things as they flow and happen. I have general duties and things I need to get to for each day/week, but when inspiration kicks in, then I turn my focus there. That’s where I am the most productive. It would be a shame to force myself to do my admin or make capsules because it has been written in for the day if something else clearly needs to take priority.
I am the one who needs to make things happen, so as long as I am staying active, be it a big, small or a creative task, its getting done and that’s the most important thing.
What words of advice would you have for someone wanting to start their own business?
Don’t give up.
I wanted to a few times and yes, blood, sweat, and tears is what it literally takes sometimes. Take risks and take the steps! One at a time, day by day. Do not let the fear of failing or thinking that you are not good enough stop you from moving forward.
So many people stop one step away from taking off.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This is where you learn your best lessons and where your weaknesses have the opportunity to become your strengths.
Everything takes time, especially when you’re starting from zero. So bear with yourself and the process – things will come together eventually.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your business?
I have so many ideas (sometimes I think, too many). I would like to skillfully master what’s currently on my plate. This way, as I progress, I won’t get over whelmed and things just flow and grow.
Keen to get in touch with Francesca? You can reach out to her by email. Don’t forget to check out the Hub of Humble website, Instagram page & Facebook page.
English 
Afrikaans