For many companies and organizations, building a brand that will stand the test of time and still be relevant for years to come, takes specialist expertise and experience. In Namibia, Azania Communications, founded by Catherine Shipushu, brings both of those essential elements to any client serious about investing in their brands for the long term.
LoA met with founder Catherine Shipushu this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Azania Communications is an integrated brand and public relations consultancy based in Windhoek, Namibia. Our expertise lies in creative brand building, media relations, public relations, social media management and events planning. We are passionate about helping our clients build strong brands that will stand the test of time. We provide branding and public relations services that build brand reputation, offer real solutions to business challenges and enhance relationships between our clients and their target audience. We do this by listening to our clients and offering tailor-made solutions to their challenges. That’s why, we always say, “We don’t sell time, we sell expertise and value”.
We also run regular personal branding and marketing masterclasses for individuals and small business owners. This is more of a CSI project aimed at empowering others to recognize the greatness within, put their best foot forward, and build their businesses.
“We are passionate about helping our clients build strong brands that will stand the test of time.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I believe that my divine purpose is to help people recognize the greatness within them and use their God-given talents to achieve success and live their best lives. I am motivated by the desire to positively impact the lives of others through teaching and mentoring others, especially young women. I started my business in order to create a space in which young female entrepreneurs can access assistance and mentorship to build strong businesses that will enable them to gain economic emancipation, improve their standard of living and become role models for the future generation of entrepreneurs. I'm inspired by the fact that my purpose is bigger than me. At the end of my life, I’d like to look back and be content knowing that through my work and being of service to others, I have made a meaningful contribution to humanity.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I believe that what sets Azania Communications apart from firms with similar service offerings is firstly attention to detail which is premised in our value of care. Our enduring philosophy is, ' It's not about what we do, but how we do it'. We treat every client like a top priority and are genuinely invested in our clients' businesses and helping them achieve their goals. In addition to that, we have proven expertise in our field. Ultimately, we are for anyone who'd like to grow an irresistible brand that demands attention for the right reasons.
“We provide branding and public relations services that build brand reputation, offer real solutions to business challenges and enhance relationships between our clients and their target audience.”
Tell us a little about your team
At the moment, I'm running my business as a solopreneur. However, I do bring on temporary team members to assist on big projects or events.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I did not set out to become a business owner. I simply wanted to share my knowledge and empower others to reach their potential by realizing the greatness within them. I also wanted an outlet for my creativity, and as time went by I realized that I can actually create a new revenue stream from doing what I love and am passionate about. This is how the business was born.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
At the moment, I'm a full-time employee and running my business as a 'side hustle'. The goal is to eventually become a full time business owner and transform Azania Communications into a formidable media empire.
“We treat every client like a top priority and are genuinely invested in our clients' businesses and helping them achieve their goals.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I love seeing my clients win. Nothing beats receiving positive feedback from a satisfied client acknowledging the value and impact of my work on their business. Knowing that I have positively impacted another person's life is what keeps me going even through challenging times. At the end of my life, I’d like to look back and be content knowing that through my work and being of service to others, I have made a meaningful contribution to humanity.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I know this sounds like a cheesy cliché, but I believe self-doubt is one of the major reasons why some people never reach their full potential and pursue their passion. It’s therefore important to believe in yourself and your abilities and always have a positive, can-do attitude towards yourself. People will always try to project their own fears and limitations on you, telling you that you can’t do this or you’ll never achieve that. The truth is, only you know your limits and by having a strong self-belief you will be able to block out the external noise and distractions and focus on achieving your goals.
Contact or follow Azania Communications
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL Catherine@azaniacommunications.com
Why LoA loves it….
Building a reputation for delivering specialist expertise in a chosen field is a great foundation for a successful business. In the world of brand building, Catherine Shipushu’s reputation for giving her clients world-class brand solutions, combined with personal service and relationship building, is what makes the difference. She treats all her client businesses like her own, tackling any brand brief with passion and enthusiasm, with the end result being a great client experience and great service delivery. It’s a winning combination. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa