From Being Broke to Building Brands, the Ngobeni Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves

• Rixongile and Katekile Ngobeni shared their inspiring story of working hard to build their own brands
• The highly educated sisters are both in their twenties and are making headway in the business world
• The Ngobenis spoke to Briefly News about their childhood, education, career and even shared some advice

Rixongile and Katekile Ngobeni are two young sisters making a name for themselves in the business world. The duo grew up in Giyani, Limpopo and tragically lost their mother at young ages.

Speaking to Briefly News, they explained that they were raised by their father who provided for them in the best ways possible. The ladies say that being females raised by a man did, however, come with its own challenges. Their lovely paternal grandmother played a motherly role in their lives and takes good care of them till this day.

Read also

'In 2021?': Man laments still needing certified matric copy for work, SA agrees

Not only are the duo absolutely gorgeous but they are beyond intelligent. 26-year-old Rixongile has a BCom in Business Management and Economics, a BCom Honours in Business Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Management in Energy Leadership at the Wits Business School.

23-year-old Katekile is following closely in her sister's footsteps as she holds a BCom in Corporate Finance and Investments, a BCom Honours in Business Science and is currently a Charted Financial Analyst candidate.

Speaking about the inspiration to start their business ventures, the ladies shared that all was not well in the beginning:

"We were broke. Money was the first and greatest reason for getting into the business. The decision, however, did not feel impossible or hard as we both had prior business experience in other industry sectors."

Read also

Going pecan for planting nuts: Former banker pursues her passion for farming

The sisters explained described their family as being 'business dominant' which is why they leaned more to working for themselves than someone else:

"We knew we had the potential to build something of our own, and because Rixongile is a huge risk-taker, the business was bound to start. A nine to five was not satisfactory, although we now work for more than 8 hours a day; we desired to have flexibility followed by greater financial freedom."

The Covid-19 pandemic also impacted their ability to find employment through their qualifications:

"Covid also made it a bit harder for us to find employment regardless of our countless attempts in applying for what we studied for. We did not want to be counted among the youth that is unemployed and waiting for someone else to give us an opportunity.

"This was definitely a greater stamp of affirmation when it came to starting a business together."

Read also

The Big Chip: NZ couple unearth what could be the worlds biggest potato

When asked about why they chose to get into business as sisters, they had this to say:

"We know one another better than anyone else and our relationship is mature enough to withstand business pressures. It had always been a dream of ours to build something together, and seeing it become a reality felt like the most exciting thing at that time."

To end off, the beauty and brains duo shared some advice for young girls and women out there who want to follow in their footsteps:

"Start with what you have. Do something that you love, it’s hard to build something sustainable. Ask questions and take as many lessons as possible from those in the same space. Study the industry that you are getting into and look for opportunities that will help your brand grow."

SA congratulates lady who started pizza business using R350 grant: "We love it"

Read also

Facts about Mzansi celebs who disappeared from the limelight

In other news about women in business, Briefly News reported that a Northern Cape lady is proving that with the right dose of determination, even the smallest amount of money can go the distance.

Choosing a traditionally non-township cuisine, the inspiring woman, Clemmy Mohapi, who is located in Ikhutseng township south of Warrenton, is hitting all the right notes courtesy of the homely pizzas she makes.

Heading to Twitter in celebration of her delectable craft, the @KasiEconomy Twitter page shared several snaps of the ordinarily Italian flattened dough dish.

Source: Briefly News