BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE – “I saw an opportunity in this type of business and grabbed it with both hands.”
These were words shared by Samketi Siphiwosami Dlamini who is a decorator and events planner based at Matsapha in Eswatini, has shared with this publication his journey on starting his business in decorating and events planning.
During an interview with this reporter, Dlamini shared how he had been able to keep his business afloat and take care of himself as well as his family through the work that he does. He mentioned that he saw an opportunity in this industry as not many men ventured into it.
“Decorating is not something that men are usually interested in which is why I thought it would be a great business to start. I have noted through feedback I get from my clients, that some females feel that the decorations have a wonderful feel and look to them. I saw an opportunity in this type of business and grabbed it with both hands,” said Dlamini.
Asked about his background, the decorator and events planner shared how he was unable to go to tertiary and after losing his job in 2018, he looked into decorating at events since his mother also did catering and decorations for events.
“I would attend events with my mother as she worked so that I would be able to learn from her. I then decided to venture into business and but as I began, my business was established under hers. In 2019, that was when I decided to establish my business fully and look for events to cater for without having to work with my mother,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini mentioned how his work ethic and ideas helped him to keep bringing the best when it came to serving his clients and shared with emaSwati how he had managed to keep going since the establishment of his business in 2019.
“During the uncertain times that we face as a country, including the times when countries were on lockdown because of COVID-19, I would use that time to come up with different ideas that would please my clients as soon as I would be able to get back into business. These may have been very difficult moments, but I did not want anything to discourage me as I am very passionate about what I do,” said Dlamini.
The events planner also shared how social media had proved to be a wonderful marketing tool for him as people were able to see the work he did through the different platforms and request his services.
Dlamini went on encourage emaSwati not to give up on what they aspired to achieve in life and do what they love.
“Being focused, finding yourself and understanding what you are passionate about plays such an important role in life. Most of the time, as we grow we find ourselves branching into so many different paths that we tend to give up on in the future. When you look into what you are passionate about and focus entirely on making that work, it becomes a part of you and the time you invest into it produces something you will be proud of,” said Dlamini.
