Startup Story
Whether you are an individual looking to fulfill your potential, or a corporate looking to bring the best out in your people, it’s essential to get the right development support. In South Africa, Renee Beck, founder of personal growth and business development company Pink Lemon, has all the expertise and experienced needed.
LoA chatted to Renee Beck this month to find out more…
What does your company do?
Pink Lemon is a personal growth and business development company. We are on a mission to help women exceed expectations by designing impactful, valuable and inspiring content, that will bring change in their lives and businesses. By providing learning experiences, development programs and events, we assist in unlocking the growth potential of female entrepreneurs and professionals. We provide and facilitate access to a rich range of personal development and business growth support services that women can access to help launch, build and grow their businesses. We do this through live events that educate, inform and inspire. Learning experiences that provide access to information and accelerate growth; and by encouraging and facilitating community and collaboration between women.
“I strongly believe that when a woman is given the opportunity to flourish, she can accomplish great things!”
“By providing learning experiences, development programs and events, we assist in unlocking the growth potential of female entrepreneurs and professionals.”
What inspired you to start your company?
As a young girl there were two things I knew I wanted to do when I grew up. To be a blessing to others and to make an impact in their lives. I saw my parents living this out on a daily basis and knew that it was what I wanted to mirror. Added to that my parents were and still are businesspeople. So, I witnessed in them a remarkable desire to build and leave a legacy. They worked hard, were very innovative and always gave their best. And they were also very generous...especially with their time. Time that they invested in people.
I am a big believer in the growth and development of people. As a start-up I realized that the entrepreneurial journey could be very isolating, and it is important to be a part of like-minded people who understand the things you go through. Particularly those who like myself were starting out and needed the tools, resources, and community necessary for building a business. I strongly believe that when a woman is given the opportunity to flourish, she can accomplish great things!
Why should anyone use your service or product?
As a self-professed 'Cheerleader of Dreams' I strongly believe in setting up others to win. The vision I have is to create platforms that are purpose driven, that connect like-minded women and facilitate collaboration. Pink Lemon is driven to facilitate these connections. I believe in going the extra mile and in executed excellence. Everything I do is encompassed in my core values: servant leadership, compassion, excellence and integrity. Basing all I do on these pillars is what drives me to give my clients the very best. The time I invest in their growth is not just limited to their attendance at our events and learning experiences, but to availing myself for questions and enquiries whenever needed.
“As a self-professed 'Cheerleader of Dreams' I strongly believe in setting up others to win.”
Tell us a little about your team
Currently I am a solopreneur and depend on a temp team as the need arises. I certainly have plans for this to change in the future and aspire to build a team that is just as passionate as I am about the development of others. But in the meantime, I live in my strengths and surround myself with people who can assist me with my weaknesses.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
After ten years working in the private sector, the vision of Pink Lemon came to life. In 2016, ten years after the name was registered, on a whim I might add, it was finally time to take the leap and make it happen. So, for a year I did consulting work while I researched and planned the birth of my business. And in 2017 it was all systems go!
While in the private sector, I was effectively an intrapreneur as I had the opportunity to implement systems and strategies that resulted in business growth and revenue.
My parents are both entrepreneurs, so I believe that it was inevitable that I would follow the same path. They have instilled in me a passion for growth and following your dreams doing what you love and what can positively impact people. They inspired in me a desire to see something grow from the ground up and to create a legacy for my own children. As well as the joy you receive from being persistent and never giving up on taking a dream and turning it into reality.
I strongly believe that everything I have learnt and everywhere I have been professionally, have all been part of the journey leading me to this place. I know that I am walking in the plans and purpose that God has for my life, and I get to help people while doing that.
“The world is my oyster and the dreams I have for this business are big and bold.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Going into a business is as exciting as it is terrifying. I have learnt a lot about who I am and how much I can handle, but with that being said I can honestly say that it has been the most thrilling time in my professional career. The world is my oyster and the dreams I have for this business are big and bold. This is simply the tip of the iceberg.
One of the things I am working on is becoming an accredited life coach, which will allow me to better equip my clients. I will also be facilitating more of my own signature workshops and events.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I get to do what I love and serve people. Despite the challenges and obstacles I encounter, I am walking in the knowledge that this is what I was meant to do. I am living out my God-given purpose and using my gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of the people I encounter. I get to inspire people on a daily basis to live out their best lives. My story is still being written, and while that is being done, I get to learn and watch my business grow.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
My favourite quote from Henry David Thoreau comes to mind, ”Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have always imagined!” And if your hopes are to build a sustainable business, you need to commit to be a lifelong learner. Do comprehensive research before starting in order for you to understand what you are getting into. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on during the entrepreneurship journey. And most importantly, believe in yourself!
Contact or follow Pink Lemon
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL renee@pinklemon.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
At LoA, we love those Lionesses who are building businesses and specialist expertise that can help others to grow and thrive. So often, personal development is key to unlocking potential, and Renee Beck is an entrepreneur who both understands this and importantly is able to help. She is passionate about helping people and businesses to grow to their full potential, and her specialist programmes and tools provide a framework for growth that enriches lives. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa