Often, business success comes by finding the right market opportunities and then creating the products and services to meet the needs of those markets. For entrepreneur Sima Mlangeni, founder of Biocol Hygiene, she identified a niche market opportunity in Namibia that would harness her expertise and experience in the specialist hygiene industry.
LoA met with the inspirational Sima Mlangeni this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
At Biocol Hygiene, we manufacture cleaning chemicals and we are also a supplier of specialist hygiene materials to businesses and organizations.
“I am a former hygiene auditor. So, I decided to follow my passion in the hygiene industry and build a business of my own.”
“At Biocol Hygiene, we manufacture the best for less and our products are easily accessible.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I am a former hygiene auditor. So, I decided to follow my passion in the hygiene industry and build a business of my own.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
At Biocol Hygiene, we manufacture the best for less and our products are easily accessible.
Tell us a little about your team
I have a team of four people currently, as we are still growing at the moment. The team comprises one administrator, two people in production, and one sales person.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I had a small business in Zimbabwe called Indatec Safety which was based in Bulawayo before I moved to Windhoek in Namibia. The company used to supply specialist safety materials for mines and factories. I closed the business there and moved here, to Namibia. I started out as an employee for Sai Global before I went back to my realizing my dream of being a business owner. I have always sold one thing or the other during my life, so it was always assumed that I have the internal spark to be different.
“I want to be able to introduce more lines and several options to clients, and get my products listed in several supermarket chains.”
“My goal is to create more employment opportunities for local people, as well as opportunities for students on attachment to the business.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want to be able to introduce more lines and several options to clients, and get my products listed in several supermarket chains. My goal is to create more employment opportunities for local people, as well as opportunities for students on attachment to the business.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I have managed to make a difference to four families by providing a salary which helps them with sustaining their needs. In future I would like to be able to help my staff to further their education through company sponsored training or college packages in line with their job descriptions.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There are three pieces of advice I would like to share.
Do not stop!
When you complain you become you own obstacle.
Challenges do not exist, we talk them into existence.
Contact or follow Biocol Hygiene
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL sima@biocolhygiene.com
Why LoA loves it….
Following your personal passion is always a good starting point for a successful business, and for entrepreneur Sima Mlangeni, the specialist hygiene industry provided her inspiration. Today, she is not only building a great business that fulfills her personal ambitions, but is also creates opportunities for others to find their economic independence through employment. She is a role model to other women entrepreneurs in Namibia and beyond who want to make a difference in business and the community. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa