“Everybody Can Turn Their Life Around 360. We All Can It Just Depends On Your Level Of Passion, Technique And Consistency”
Ryan Hopkins | April 15, 2024
The first child in a nuclear family of 5, 1996 November 2nd he arrived. I was delivered to life at Mankweng Hospital In Turfloop-Polokwane. Moved to Johannesburg 2004 and have been here ever since. Went to IphuthengPrimary School, blessed Alexandra Secondary School and prepared by Mitzvah for the world takeover at the prime of the new age/redefined Hip Hop era both globally and internationally. I then got culturally influenced by the student life at UJ (University Of Johannesburg) Doornfontein and Auckland Park From 2015 to 2019.
I am an entrepreneur, I take risks in hopes of creating a change, sparking demand, shedding light and I uplift others in that same breath whilst making profit. I have lost quite a lot but still I prevail. The Marathon Continues. My risk appetite is quite big. Outside of business I am a present father, a ball of energy and a spiritually intact young man. Who will stop at nothing to help the youth realize their power and ability to voice out and get what they want/need. I represent kindness, positivity and a world of endless possibilities.
DURAGGODZAR PTY LTD – Is all about re-defining modern culture, focused on providing style enthusiasts and the curious and most ambitious Tebza, Thando and TK with affordable, accessible yet exclusive street hot accessories at a convenience while taking it easy on their pockets. Be it luxurious or day to day made for purpose shades, watches, hats and caps everything that you need as an accessory to rock the world either in season or out of season we have it or we can get it for you before you finish your beer[ wink]. Having been founded in Alexandra 3 years ago, the end goal is to turn Alexandra into a rebirth of Braamfontein through vision and culture impact.
“Never had I witnessed such a beautiful site of young people especially young black males and other ethnicities having gathered together to appreciate each other’s hard work”
They too followed suit as they saw the upsurge [wink]. Too many have now realised the power of the durag, self belief and applying what we are all born with, CREATIVITY! Everybody can turn their life around 360. We all can it just depends on your level of passion, technique and consistency. A soft and a hard brush, a handy mirror make sure it’s big, choose your angles and turn your life around. And that right there is the recipe of getting a clean wave. A fresh silk durag from @duraggod.za or anybody close to you, make sure you buy from black businesses! SEE YOU AT THE NEXT WAVE CHECK! Details will be dropping on our socials so stay tuned. – The Voice of The Hustlers.
WHEN DID YOU COME TO THE DECISION TO START A BUSINESS FROM THE IDEA AND WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE IN MAKING THAT VISION A REALITY ?
From selling 3 units to 20 I knew the demand was growing exponentially. Until I started having issues meeting demand. I needed to find the best suppliers of these products as people were now also demanding the full package, the brush, the pomade and a set of duragsso they could change into different colors. That is exactly when I knew I had to stop misusing money and start investing in my growth and the growth of the business.
“I tried by all means to meet demand, sold at a premium to cut out whoever who was not serious“
When COVID hit, everybody was locked out or in. Everything inflated but people were so keen on buying the products. Even if I charged a premium. I knew I was in business, from doing deliveries to having a permanent spot outside PAN AFRICA MALL,[laughs]. I actually met the Prolific Bonny (Founder Of Glitz Magazine) there. This is late 2020. At that time I had one business partner, “John @apollo_2klipa Modiba”. I tried by all means to meet demand, sold at a premium to cut out whoever who was not serious, got the highest quality of durags, quality over everything – Hip Naughtic Sean, diversified my catalog and then partnered with entertainers in the local scene, our Instagram does show which stars we work with. Recruited partners, and made sure we are open at the earliest hour till dawn. We focused on our customers’ needs and provided value. That’s what made us stand out from those who tried to copy the sauce.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU COME ACROSS THUS FAR AND HOW YOU OVERCAME THEM?
Running smooth cash flow has always been a struggle from the start. Even when I keep record of daily sales, costs and profit, due to the standard of life around me, it is always a trick keeping the ship still.
The state of the land of my second store which is where I primarily operate from now at Alex Mall next to “TIPTOO INTERNET CAFÉ” is quite problematic, as it is unpaved and quite a windy place with dust. Some of my stock went from being good to getting damaged. It depreciates its standard value.
This has been the headache to the body of my work, including my infrastructure which is no longer the bull it was. It used to be very appealing and strong due to the location, a lot has lost its value. I have introduced other tools and measures to curb my struggles hence why I am still running hard creating change and inspiring minds. I am quite innovative so I keep trying to stay ahead of the curve although finance can help us realize an even greater dream.
WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART FROM COMPETITORS?
My Value Chain. My relationship with my suppliers and customers is almost second to none. Wait until we secure the big bag you will see on a wider scale what we really do. As Vusi Thembekwayo has always said, businesses compete not on pricing or external factors and etc. We compete mainly on the value chain. What value exists within your business environment? Mine, the glue is customers, business to business you name it re kaofela (We are together). After all, our mission statement is our daily way of life. Your Satisfaction Is Our #1 Priority. We won’t stop until you are satisfied.
ARE YOU LOOKING INTO EXPANDING THE BUSINESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE? IF YES WHAT PRODUCTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
With no doubt! I will be expanding even greater, we are still scouting locations near the style enthusiasts and locally pushing and passionate clients, we are also manufacturing our own merchandise and shades line and promoting our media collaboration @godsnapd. Follow us on the socials for updates and pop up locations.
ANY ADVICE TO A YOUNG PERSON AFRAID TO GET THAT BUSINESS OF THE GROUND?
In a world of data overflow, as youth we tend to over analyze and overthink situations thus
leading us to a delayed response time and a short attention span. In a life where everybody and everything demands one’s attention, procrastination has become a man’s best friend. The best way to cure that is to take the first step.
My biggest motivation to start any journey in life is sparked deeply by Richard Branson. He said to me through his writings, Jiggah, “Just Start”. You will learn so many lessons just by doing. I will always urge everybody in my circle to just start man. Everybody must just bury their thoughts and let the body move. You’ll see, once you get going, There isn’t no stopping until you are done.
You Can Find Us On Various Social Platforms Like:
Instagram : @duraggod.za
Facebook : @Duraggod.za
Tik Tok : Shadezbythegod
WhatsApp : 081 327 2512
We Deliver/Courier Nationwide. Whatsapp Link: www.https://wa.me/c/27813272512