From selling vegetables at a taxi rank, to supplying produce to large hotels, we find out how Nomagugu Mlipha of Gugu and Daughters Farming did it.
Please tell us about yourself.
I am Zulu woman from rural KwaZulu-Natal. As a young girl, I helped Gogo raise her cattle, managed to hustle medicine from surrounding farmers when our cows were sick, helped feed and slaughter the chickens and grow the vegetables. My Gogo taught me a lot of basic farming principles and it’s thanks to her my passion is where it is. I was running my own little street vending business at home, but as I got older, I realised I needed to become financially independent so I left rural life and moved to Boksburg where I worked as a domestic for a while. I attained a diploma in Business and Banking, which moved me to the corporate world. I found it stifling until I started selling my produce at office blocks and taxi ranks.
What does Gugu and Daughters Farming do?
Gugu and Daughters Farming is a business that grows, buys, processes and retails fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Why did you choose to be a farmer?
My main income was from selling packed vegetables and the inner farmer in me said, why not grow your own and make even more profit? Another thing that motivated me was that I could always feed my family from the garden when money was low.
Would you encourage women to work in the farming industry, and why?
I do encourage other women, no matter how small their land parcels are, to grow produce. Firstly, so that they can feed their families and at the same time; instil in them the mindset that you can grow produce and make a profit out of it. I always find that women are far more logical in their understanding of how a farm can make money, yet practical in the implementation. Once they start making profit, there is no swaying them. Another thing to consider is that women are natural hard workers so we don’t get scared easily.
What challenges have you faced as a business woman in your industry?
I have faced many challenges, and being a black woman was the most challenging. But, I used that to my advantage. Another challenge was being taken seriously both from the farming community and the market. However, compliance has to be the milestone of all challenges and because of the expense, it has taken me a while to achieve what we have but I’m almost there.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career?
My greatest achievement so far has been attending the AWEP International Leadership & Entrepreneurship Programme 2014 held in Washington, U.S.A. I gained so much business sense and was fortunate to be exposed to massive retails markets, which showed me how I could (and have) extend my product range. It also opened up the African Networking Channel to me and that has taught me a lot.
How have you balanced parenting and starting a business?
Balancing a business that starts at 4am and raising three fantastic children has been my biggest challenge. Fortunately, I have had great support, learnt how to manage time and my children have always known that the effort mommy puts in is to benefit them.
How do you involve your children in your business?
I got them involved four years ago in selling at a local Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, so that they understand more about what a business achieves for you and your family. It has helped them immensely when understanding me and why I work so hard.
What advice can you give to women who aspire to succeed like you did?
My advice to other women is that no matter your upbringing, your circumstance, your dreams, you have the ability to achieve any success so long as you do it! Get out there, utilize all the resources, keep knocking on the doors and just do it.
What was your dream career whilst growing up?
When I was young, I wanted to be a soldier.
