Startup Story
Environmental management is a highly specialized business sector and one that is traditionally dominated by men, but Emma Tendai Dimairho, founder of Sentient Environmental Consultancy, is changing that landscape.
LoA spoke to founder Emma Tendai Dimairho this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
At Sentient Environmental Consultancy we are focused on Safety Environment Management and offer a wide range of specialist services to our clients. These include: Geo tech surveys; Development of Health and Safety files; Safety plans; Health and Safety Awareness; Internal and External Audits; Risk assessments; Risk management; Supply of PPE; Supply of Safety equipment; Implementation and development of Health and Safety systems; Emergency preparedness; Consulting; Health and safety officer contractors supply (Hire a Safety officer on contract); Training Development of Environmental files Environmental plans Environmental Awareness Risk Assessments Risk management Implementation and development of Environmental systems Internal and external Audits Monitoring and Evaluation Environmental Impact Assessments Environmental Management Programmes Rehabilitation Waste management Environmental control officer services Occupational hygiene monitoring and management Training
“The Environmental Sector is mainly dominated by men and I felt that I should tap into it to show that woman are as capable as men if not better.”
What inspired you to start your company?
What inspired me to start up my company was that I needed a build something with my own hands that I could look at and be proud of. The Environmental Sector is mainly dominated by men and I felt that I should tap into it to show that women are as capable as men, if not better.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
It is woman-owned, and as women we are thorough in the way we do business. Our services are nothing short of quality. We treat each and every client as an individual and our services are tailor-made to suit every client's needs.
Tell us a little about your team
My team consists of me and two other ladies that are my independent consultants. We all have Environmental Management, Health and Safety backgrounds.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was born and bred in Zimbabwe. The education system there encouraged us to excel in school and get jobs and be satisfied. But from a tender age I already had an entrepreneurial spirit as I used to buy and sell ice lollipops in my street to make extra pocket money. In my Varsity years I used to sell yoghurt and boosted my pocket money as well.
“Our services are nothing short of quality. We treat each and every client as an individual and our services are tailor-made to suit every client 's needs.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My aspiration for the business is that it grows and flourishes into the rest of Africa and eventually internationally. I also hope that all partners and employees that will work with us will be women, so as to empower each other.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Flexibility, time management and knowing that I make my own paycheck. Working for yourself makes you put more effort in because you know it benefits you more than anyone else.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
It is tough starting up, no-one takes you seriously, so you need to work extra hard to make a name for yourself. Getting clients is tough and sometimes you may feel like giving up and going back to work. Do not give up no matter how long it takes a breakthrough will come your way in due time. Do not take shortcuts, i.e. paying people for jobs. Maintain your integrity one day you will make it.
Learn More
WEBSITE | EMAIL info@sentientec.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
Building a business in a tough industry sector is always challenging, but Emma is a tenacious and ambitious entrepreneur with a big vision and a hard work ethic to make that vision come to life. She is a wonderful example of women’s empowerment, looking to give opportunities to other women to excel and make their future’s the environmental sector she is passionate about. A real game-changer. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa