The most successful businesses tend to be led by entrepreneurs who are not only passionate about what they do, but those that have a vision of how to empower others to follow in their footsteps. Anansi is one such multi-faceted company, and the brainchild of its talented founder, Anthea Ambursley, who is passing on her wisdom and experience through a number of platforms in her business.
LoA connected with Anthea at Anansi to find out more….
What does your company do?
We are in the hospitality and health industry. We are changing the company and are going global and then we will focus on property and empowerment - empowering women and the youth to start their own businesses.
"By naming our company after Anansi, we seek to learn from the wisdom of this African folk hero, and strive to create a new symbol of African culture and enterprise in South Africa."
Tell us where the name of your company comes from?
Our company is named after Anansi, the cunning and intelligent spider who is one of the most important characters of West African folklore. Tales of Anansi have spread from West Africa to the Caribbean, the United States and beyond, with the movement of people of African descent. By naming our company after Anansi, we seek to learn from the wisdom of this African folk hero, and strive to create a new symbol of African culture and enterprise in South Africa.
What inspired you to start your company?
From a very young age I have realised that the only freedom you will have one day is to work for yourself and you can make a huge impact. I started a business at the age of 28 and it was not the easiest journey, but it was a journey worthwhile.
"From a very young age I have realised that the only freedom you will have one day is to work for yourself and you can make a huge impact. I started a business at the age of 28 and it was not the easiest journey, but it was a journey worthwhile."
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We offer personalised services at our exclusive guest house, Anansi Heights, located in Centurion, South Africa. It offers the discerning business traveller an unrivalled combination of central location, the intimacy of a family home, modern business facilities, luxury accommodation, safety and tranquillity. We are working all around the world on health and have worked on assignments with USAID, Pepfar and WHO organisation. We have a reputation of commitment and great results, because we are passionate about what we do.
Tell us a little about your team
My team are passionate, driven, focused and they are adding great value in changing lives.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have won several awards in South Africa. My parents were farmers so the seeds were planted from a very young age. I have been in business for 11 years and have recently obtained my international public speaking endorsement and I would like to do more to inspire others to pursue their dreams. I am the author of the book called “Nothing is Impossible - valuable lessons learned from an award winning entrepreneur.” The book covers simple, valuable tips on how to start your business or to take it to the next level. These lessons have been learned from experience.
"We are changing the company and are going global and then we will focus on property and empowerment - empowering women and the youth to start their own businesses."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I am going global and that is one of the greatest accomplishments after 10 years.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Coming up with services and products that are needed and that make a difference in people's lives.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
It is not going to be easy. It is really tough for women to start a business and most industries are still male dominated, and to crack into the uncomfortable environments is not easy. But my belief is that, irrespective of your colour or gender, you should only be measured on competence.
Contact or follow Anansi
WEBSITE | EMAIL anthea@anansibiz.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
There is nothing more inspirational than seeing successful women entrepreneurs in Africa go on to support and encourage others that follow in their footsteps. Anthea Ambursley is doing just that, providing great inspiration, tips on starting a business, and advice on taking existing businesses to the next level. Through her speaking engagements and her newly published book, she is providing a great example of achieving success in so many facets of her life. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa