Most entrepreneurs know from experience that the journey to building a business can be tough, with many hurdles to overcome along the way - determination and self-belief are key. In the case of Lana de Klerk and her business, Prestige Marketing, she knows only too well how important these two traits are. She has displayed both over the years to get to where she is today, building a successful business and brand and with great ambitions for the future.
LoA found out more about this determined entrepreneur, looking to make her mark in the marketplace and in the community.
What does your company do?
At Prestige Marketing, we specialise in corporate gifts and clothing.
"We specialise in corporate gifts and clothing. My passion has always been in marketing, and I’ve always loved stationery, gifts and clothing, so it is the perfect industry for me."
What inspired you to start your company?
I love people. My passion has always been in marketing, and I’ve always loved stationery, gifts and clothing, so it is the perfect industry for me.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I have sourced the best quality clothing and gifts, as well as the best branders within the industry. I offer great service and quality. We also specialise in corporate hampers, creating hampers for staff birthdays, promotions, or for clients, and we can create the perfect, personalised hamper for any occasion.
"After being retrenched a few years ago, working for another boss just did not sit well for me."
Tell us a little about your team
I have started on my own, so currently I am the sales, admin and finance manager, as well as the managing director.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
After being retrenched a few years ago, working for another boss just did not sit well for me. I ventured into a partnership with a friend of mine. I placed every bit of savings that I had into the business with the idea being, "it has to work and be a success". After much disappointment, the business failed. With no savings to my name, I was forced to accept a job offered to me by a friend at the time (who turns out to be my husband today). I began working with him in his own transport business with a salary that was not even a quarter of what I was previously getting. After a while I decided that I was not going to give up and I believed that I would one day have a successful business of my own. My now husband encouraged me to take the leap of faith and offered to allow me time during the week to also work on my own business should I need to. I began my entrepreneurial journey again.
The transport company where I was working became my first client as well as my test subject. With many flops along the way and disappointments with suppliers I became discouraged and placed my business on hold. A year later I decided to re design my logo, I created my own website and business cards with the help of my talented brother, and with the determination of failure not being an option I pushed through to where I am today, marketing my brand and meeting like-minded people.
"With the determination of failure not being an option I pushed through to where I am today, marketing my brand and meeting like-minded people."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
With my husband and I both having our own businesses, we too share the same dream and vision. We plan to one day open an orphanage, which we will fund through the two business ventures, and also that will offer the children the opportunity of a prosperous career. A future filled with hope for them as they can choose to farm, be in transport with my husband, or to work in my business "Prestige marketing". The necessary skills-sets will be taught to them through further education funded by our businesses and they will be given the opportunity to do what they feel passionate about.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The fact that it is not easy and it takes strong individuals to pursue such a path. It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that my life-long vision and dream for helping children in our community through the orphanage will be achieved one day.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
See every challenge and hurdle along the way as an opportunity.
Surround yourself with like-minded people who will cheer you on.
Always remember the 4 "Ps
- Persevere!!
- Persevere!!
- Persevere!!
- Persevere!!
Contact or follow Prestige Marketing
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL lana@prestige.gifts
Why LoA loves it….
Like many entrepreneurs before her, Lana de Klerk has experienced the ups and downs of building a business, but she is a great example of a never give up attitude that gets rewarded at the end of the day. She has a passion for what she does, and the right amount of grit and determination to make her business succeed, and is on the path to doing just that. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa