The poised and humble Umhlanga, KZN, mother of three achieved millionaire status when she was just 26
What: Thobethulani Trading
Start-up capital: R300 000
Turnover: R5-20 million
Now 38, Ndlovu has taken on the male-dominated construction sector as founder and Managing Director of Thobethulani Trading, a construction and design company based in Cornubia Business Park, Mount Edgecombe.
“When people ask why I’m in the construction industry, I have to smile. They probably wouldn’t ask that question if I were a man,” she laughs.
“Construction is a very rough industry, but I’m testament that if you do what you love, nothing else matters – not even your gender. You just have to work really hard and always put your best foot forward,” she says.
“I’ve been a go-getter since I was young. I always loved good things, but I knew I had to work hard for them,” says Ndlovu, whose career began as an interior designer.
Her innovation and creative flair saw her excel in various projects, including shopfitting at popular Durban theme park uShaka Marine World and several office renovations.
However, the big break that helped earn her a seven-digit fortune came unexpectedly, after she’d successfully completed the design and decor of the KZN Legislature Speakers cottage.
“That was huge. I was the youngest of the candidates, many of whom were industry leaders. Yet I never allowed that to deter me. I listened attentively to the brief and applied my creativity in my pitch,” she says.
The post Buliding her own success appeared first on DESTINY Magazine.