Unathi and I met last year through the group Brownsense where she needed some input concerning her decor business. We moved our discussion to email and I, eventually, gave her a call. We discussed the opportunities for black business owners in Cape Town’s wedding industry and talked about forming a partnership. I mentioned that I would be moving to Cape Town, where she was based, and we promised to keep in touch. Fast forward to almost a year later and we finally meet. I took some pictures and sat down to chat with her over a cup of tea:
Me: Tell me a bit about yourself. Who are you and what brought you to Cape Town?
Unathi: I’m from Knysna – born and raised. Of three children I was the only girl. I came to Cape Town for my tertiary studies and met my future husband during my third year. Fortunately for me, I landed a job straight after university, having gotten married just a few months prior.
Me: What was going on in your head?! Married in your third year??? You’re a brave woman!
Unathi: (Chuckles) We married traditionally in 2010 and had our ‘white’ wedding in 2012.
Me: Back to your business. You’re very creative. Is there anything in your background or upbringing that may have influenced that?
Unathi: I grew up in a township and our home was a shack. I’m certain there were, at most, no more than five homes made of brick and mortar. My mother was a single mom and a domestic worker, and still is. She and my dad separated before I was born but I knew his family. He was, kind of, a rolling stone…so I saw him very sporadically. Fortunately, home was walking distance from his family’s home, so I visited my aunts and grandmother often and, consequently, have a very close relationship with them.
Because we were all poor in my neighbourhood, it took me becoming an adult to realise that I was actually poor! I thought I was normal. If my mom couldn’t afford to get me something or do something for me, it was not too much of a big deal. I remember that there were a few kids who went to Model C schools, and a part of me envied them, but that was uncommon. If you had a parent who was something like a prison warder, that was a big deal! We had very few teachers and nurses, etc. I loved school though and was quite popular among my peers. I had this idea to become a Chartered Accountant ( I’m not even sure how I knew what that was) and I’m now a qualified Auditor. But the decor thing…No childhood connection at all.
Me: That’s quite interesting. I have a theory that the more insulated we are from the crowd the happier we’re most likely to be. This global village in which we have ‘access’ to people from all walks of life, isn’t always good for us, because we measure ourselves against our peers. My peer is Khloe Kardashian and I simply don’t measure up! Anyway, I digress, back to you…Would you say growing up in the background you come from has given you an advantage, as a business owner, in the space in which you compete?
Unathi: Definitely. For example, if someone says they would like an African themed wedding reception, I already have a picture of what they mean before I have the brief. I have the advantage of diversity of culture. I understand our ‘European’ culture and our African culture. What has also helped is my financial expertise. I know how to determine whether I’ll make a profit or a loss and, therefore, I quote for jobs correctly.
Me: That’s definitely something that all small businesses need to get right and a lot of us tend to struggle with it. Now that you have your foundation laid, where to from here?
Unathi: My goal is to get to a place where I’m operating across South Africa but that’s the long term plan. In the short term, I want to be a household name in the decor space, particularly the Western Cape. I want to build the sort of business that people want to be associated with.
With such a strong work ethic and drive, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows of Acquilla Functions. I look forward to our next interview and hearing more about this wonderful journey of self-discovery and expression.
Siwe
• 6 years agoA woman of substance .. as the saying goes “great people do things before they’re ready”. Don’t sleep on your dreams, hard work pays .. You’re unknowingly paving the way for the younger generation & opening their eyes to more sectors in events planning than your average party… Truly inspiring… all love
Ayanda Hute
• 6 years agoReading this warms my heart totally. This is a friend that one has watched growing and flourishing infront of my eyes. With your workethic and strength you have no choice but to succeed well done so far im proud of you
Bongi Lolwana
• 6 years agoLoved reading this blog, actually had to read it twice ?Unathi you are an incredible person and a formidable business woman. Your work speaks for itself. I can’t wait to use you for my coming African wedding ?.
THEMBI ALLAH
• 6 years agoSo proud of this friend of mine. You have shown that through hard work, perseverance and dedication comes great success. Well done mbokodo, can’t wait to see all the greater things that are yet to come. Keep flourishing!!!
Pumla Mbomvana
• 6 years agoOnly a matter of time simbone ku Top Billing..
Sne Temba M
• 6 years agoI am proud to say this wonderful soul here is my friend. Small town girl, rock!!! Knysna stand up and be proud.
I hope this reaches all the high schools in Knysna, especially in our townships. I know how it feels to have people you know personally to look up to, people that have made it in the area you are from with minimum or no resources. Your husband is on my list.
Sawumane sisenza umzekelo ngawe ebantwaneni bethu abangamantombazana. Thank you for sharing your story and all the best in the near future.
Vuyo
• 6 years agoOhh ma word Unky look at u and how incredible u are my frend. This journey will b endless nje??Keep the head up high n conquer, bangene!!!!!
Siphokazi Zita
• 6 years agoYou have an amazing eye of turning something ordinary, into something beautiful. The cherry on top is your personality, such an easy going person to work with! Wishing you all the best with your lovely creations.
Mihlali Bangisi
• 6 years agoI admire people who don’t let their poor backgrounds bring them down but rather strive for a better life. Unathi’s journey is proof that God is always with us even when we are down. Can we please share this so that it reaches someone out there who is about to lose hope because of bad situations at home, school or at work. You are destined for greater things Unathi. All the best to you and and the writer.
Yonela Mpikashe
• 6 years agoOh wow I’m super proud of you darling, you are such a phenomenal woman and such an inspiration to many of us. Keep up the good work Unsta, the world is your oyster ??❤️
Unathi
• 6 years agoThank you so much guys for the motivation, and thank you Phumza for the story. Beautiful read❤️