Startup Story
For boutique consulting business, Twafiika Consultants, the phrase ‘it’s all in a name’ is particularly apt. Lelanie Basson’s business name was chosen as it is derived from Oshiwambo, and Twafiika means “to arrive”. This is one business in Namibia that has definitely arrived, building a solid reputation for developing highly creative and insightful strategies for businesses who are looking for that competitive edge.
LoA had the pleasure of meeting founder Lelanie Basson in Windhoek and finding out more about this specialist business.
What does your company do?
At Twafiika, we are Management Consultants, Facilitation and Event Management specialists.
What inspired you to start your company?
I realized the corporate title creates a false sense of identity. I don’t mean to offend anyone, but once the fancy office title and corner office is taken away, many struggle to embrace or hardly even know who they are. I knew after assisting the organisation I was working for on a retrenchment strategy, that the only security in this world would be what I created for myself.
“I knew after assisting the organisation I was working for on a retrenchment strategy, that the only security in this world would be what I created for myself.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Twafiika Consultants is a boutique management consultancy agency established in 2009, operating in both Namibia and South Africa. The name Twafiika is derived from Oshiwambo, Twafiika means “to arrive” Twafiika develops creative and sound strategies for businesses calling in on over more than a decade consulting experience. Twafiika offers bespoke end-to-end service that integrates strategy, management and technical consulting with a proven track record of expertise and delivery.
Tell us a little about your team
I have an amazing team who always have my back, we never walk through any fire on our own. We also have an annual intern programme that sees us welcoming a newbie each year. We try to expose them to as many areas of the business as possible. Ashanti Damens is really the super-star in this regard, she provides an educational experience for the students within a professional setting, where a student may learn about professional practice in their field. It's a win-win as we gain creative support and fresh perspectives. We currently have two marketing management interns.
“Watching my dad prosper and grow as an entrepreneur, set the foundation and inner yearning I had to emancipate myself from the corporate rut and dive into my own consultancy.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I realize that my entrepreneurial lessons started in childhood - watching my dad prosper and grow as an entrepreneur, set the foundation and inner yearning I had to emancipate myself from the corporate rut and dive into my own consultancy.
Bankruptcy and how he rebuilt the business, or at least started to, are two of most valuable lessons I take from his business path. What I have learnt from my dad’s journey and now my own journey - is that we learn from failure more than we do success. "Failure is not the opposite of success - but rather part thereof" - Arianna Huffigton. I realized that through my father’s demonstration of perseverance and hard work, through his story of failure, he had already given me all the advice I needed. I just needed to tune in to remember.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We have an exciting platform of collaborative and inspirational workshops for start-ups and established female entrepreneurs we will be launching soon.
“The one thing about this journey is that everything is up to you - you have no safety net, no back up, you are your greatest resource and asset.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
You win some and you lose some, but what you put in determines what you get out.
And if you know anything about me - I go all in - in everything I do. I show up fully for every client and for every project.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Entrepreneurship is lonely - there are a handful of people who truly understand the daily highs and lows of the journey, people drown. The one thing about this journey is that everything is up to you - you have no safety net, no back up, you are your greatest resource and asset. In the entrepreneurial day to day, you are on trial all the time , your credibility is tested and questioned all the time - you are always under scrutiny and you need to remain ahead of the curve for your own survival and adeptness in the business environment. Therefore, make sure you understand who you are as an individual. Know what drives you. What's your Why.
Contact or follow Twafiika
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL lelanie@twafiika.com
Why LoA loves it….
In business, we all need a specialist helping hand from time to time, to guide us through the ups and downs of our business journeys and to provide specialist advice and expertise when needed. For entrepreneur Lelanie Basson, providing the solution to addressing that need and being that support to other business builders is what drives her. She is creating a successful niche business that is making a real difference to the lives of other entrepreneurs. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa