Madiro Makoe | April, 17 2024
Spirit Graphic Design specializes in design and print. I am a go-getter, when I set my mind on something I go for it and see it to the end. Technology is not foreign to me, which makes it easy to understand what my peers are in need of, am accessible and am not afraid of change and innovation. Am always in search of new tools that could help better my skills such as, new printing styles and advancing my graphic design skills to help me stay on top of my game.
I started this business a few months after completing my design course in 2021. I took an IT course which was a program offered by ikusasa lethu at Sankopano in Alexandra Township during COVID, but because of the pandemic a lot of students dropped out and we had no lectures ,so they decided to change the program to design class. They moved us to Kempton Park with no taxi fare or lunch money at the time, but because of my determination I completed my course it was hard but I wanted to do something for myself since I love fixing computers and phones.
I then started working for a few internet Cafe’s around the area I reside, I saw a gap and I wanted to fill it. With the little capital I had, I used my laptop to design and would outsource when it came to print outs for client. My sister then saw how bad I wanted this and helped me buy my first machine then the outsourcing was reduced. I went on to purchase my second machine and materials with the capital the business had started generating.
My sister and her kids have always been my biggest supporters. There’s an angel in heaven that I always want to make proud, when she was still with us she was a warrior and made life look easy and she would always say “if you think you can do it then you most definitely right and if you think otherwise then you are also right it’s about choice”
How do you deal with difficult customers?
I always make sure I give them what they want. I’m one person who can’t argue so I just listen to them calmly and make sure they walk out with a smile on their face, in that way am assured that they will came back and tell others about my business and the experience they had with me.
Share with us some of the challenges you have experienced in both the conception and the day to day operations of the business?
My biggest challenge thus far would be capital to purchase more machines or even relocating to an office where my clients can have easy access to come and go as they please. I started working in my mom’s living room, and when it gets busy the whole house get messy and sometimes working from home has a disadvantage of people not taking me serious or not trusting that I can do my job. The other challenge would be that when working with people I get the difficult ones as well, those who want discounts or even want me to render my services for free.
Any plans to expand the in the near future?
Am excited to share the news, that I will be moving to a new location next Kwa Bhekilanga High School which has a more professional feel and is also our production shop.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a business but is either afraid or lacks the know how?
Do your research on the type of business you want to venture into know your competitors and your target market. Businesses take time to make profit or have clients so patience is required. When business is slow don’t lose hope, be prepared for sleepless nights thinking about your next move or idea. Make sure you love your business in that way it will be easy for you to wake up every morning and even better to handle bad days. Your business shouldn’t be a get rich scheme it’s the service rendered that is important and keeps clients coming back. Give your best and everything will fall into place believe in yourself and don’t want to be applauded before all has stood its ground. Lastly talk less and do more “let your work do the talking”.
You can contact me on :
Facebook : SGdesign123
Cell : 0768587379