Successful businesses understand that finding a gap in the market is key, and for entrepreneur Chita Mumba Zulu and her team at Eternal Jewellery Zambia, that gap was in the wedding and engagement ring market. Today, the business is making a name for itself by supplying quality, affordable and beautiful jewellery for couples who are planning their wedding celebrations.
LoA chatted to Chita Mumba Zulu this month to find out more about this growing specialist business.
What inspired you to start your company?
I took time and surveyed the local market and I discovered that there was a gap in the Jewellery market for affordable but quality engagement and wedding rings.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
At Eternal Jewellery Zambia, we provide luxurious, unique, and beautiful engagement and wedding rings at an affordable price.
"We named our company "Eternal Jewellery Zambia" because we believe in a lasting and eternal kind of love that can be expressed and seen through Jewellery."
Tell us a little about your team
The Eternal Jewellery Zambia team is made up of Chita Mumba Zulu (Founder, Marketing & Branding); Mapesho Masonga (Co-Founder, Sales &Customer Service); Bwalya Mumba (Shop Manager). Chita Mumba Zulu has a Bachelors degree from London School of Theology and is currently doing her Masters in Town Planning from Birmingham City University. Mapesho Masonga has a Bachelors of Arts in Human resource management and development from Mulungushi University. Bwalya Mumba has a passion for music, and is an amazing songstress participating in a nationally recognised choir.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Eternal Jewellery Zambia was established in 2017. We named the company "Eternal Jewellery Zambia" because we believe in a lasting and eternal kind of love that can be expressed and seen through Jewellery. I have always been passionate about business. I have tried a few things in the past, including running my freelance hairdressing business which helped me through university. I started a hair extension company for crochet braiding which didn’t quite work out and actually almost opened a salon. Mapesho, the co founder of the business started a well know bridal Zambian directory, Brides in Zambia, and is also a freelance make up artist. She also provided a nail service to her fellow students whilst at university. Creativity and entrepreneurship are two things that come naturally to us.
"Eternal Jewellery’s vision is to provide luxurious jewellery at an affordable Price."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
In the next five years, we see ourselves growing the business into a sought-after jewellery store providing jewellery on both a retail and wholesale level. We see ourselves expanding into the Local and International Market. We also see ourselves providing over 50 jobs which will reduce the high rates of unemployment in the African Continent.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
What gives me personally the most satisfaction is being able to surmount the daily challenges that crop up, and the creativity it brings out in me, it's never ending.
"The company’s mission is to make it possible for people with different income levels to have access to jewellery that can be used as a symbol of love towards their loved ones."
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
1. Determination and persistence are key to achieve anything in life, even when things don't seem to be working out, don't give up. Focus on what you want to achieve and with God by your side all things are possible.
2. Look out for a unique business idea that will help bridge the market gap of a missing business opportunity in the market place. After this, start with your skills to raise capital.
3. Africa may not be the most favorable place to start your business but at the same time Africa has produced multi billionaires who have started their businesses right here on the continent. It doesn't matter where you start your business from, just focus on your dreams and they will eventually come to pass."
Contact or follow Eternal Jewellery Zambia
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL info@eternaljewellery.com
Why LoA loves it….
So often, one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs is finding a gap in the market where they can build a business, and create and supply a product to meet a particular need. In the case of Chita Mumba Zulu, that gap came in the form of a market need to supply quality, affordable wedding and engagement rings for couples in Zambia. As a result, Eternal Jewellery Zambia was born and today helps loving couples to embark on their wedding journeys with beautiful jewellery to celebrate their memorable days. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa