Harnessing your practical experience and a particular skills-set is always a good foundation for a business. At AP Royalty Events Management in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, entrepreneur Aphiwe Madlavu is using her knowledge and expertise in the field of event management to build a business with great potential.
LoA found out more about this enterprising business builder this month and her plans for the future.
What does your company do?
AP Royalty Party & Events Management is still an upcoming company in the eventing industry, therefore we welcome local clients to share the platform with them, in providing planning and hosting services while providing refreshments for their events. We specialize in both corporate functions and private parties. We pride ourselves in working within the small-to-medium size sector; preferring the personal touch inherent to this client group.
“We are organized, innovative and dedicated to providing the highest quality of service for the work we do.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I always planned baby showers and birthday parties for my friends and their kids, and I would always be given a task to ensure that everything is in order until the day of the event. Using this experience, I then saw an opportunity and decided to take all the required actions to invest in it this business idea, and that is how my company was established.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We are organized, innovative and dedicated to providing the highest quality of service for the work we do. Because we always put our customers needs first, our mission and our priority is to serve our customers right.
“Because we always put our customers needs first, our mission and our priority is to serve our customers right.”
Tell us a little about your team
We are a group of four siblings, and we work very well together. We coordinate all aspects of event management together, from setting up tables, tents and decor. We just work well together as a team, for instance if I see something that has not been done properly, I just fix it without any arguments. We are very team focused on ensuring that the job gets done, and done well.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
The entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint hearted, because in most cases not everything will go your way when starting out on this business building journey. For instance, you'd sometimes spend hours preparing quotations for new business and then clients will just turn you down. With that experience I have learnt to be consistent and be patient. I grew up from a small village called Centane in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. My grandmother used to sell African Beer, so yes I'd say I am coming from an entrepreneurial background.
“We are very team focused on ensuring that the job gets done, and done well.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I see my company in the next 3 years as one of the biggest events companies in the Eastern Cape, and in order to make this goal a reality, I have registered for my Masters in Business Degree at Rhodes Business School. This demonstrates the investment and the sacrifice that I am going through to show the passion and love for what I do.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The fact that I have never looked back since the day I started this journey, and I actually have no regrets at all. I am doing this until it becomes what I have always imagined.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Your dreams are valid, own them and follow your small inner voice. It will never lie to you, no matter what.
Contactr or follow AP Royalty Party & Events Management
FACEBOOK | EMAIL amadlavu@webmail.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
Starting out in business is always daunting, and building a business that can grow over the long term is challenging. But that challenge is one that Aphiwe Madlavu is embracing, and she has big plans for her business going forward. Her client centric approach, combined with her knowledge of her market, and specialist event management experience, sets her on the right path for success.