Mhlanga Rocks Paint hardware, signified by the blue container situated opposite Dobsonville mall in Soweto is well known for its affordable and quality paints.
Sandile Mhlanga shares his story on how he has kept his business afloat for 5 years as an independent owner of the hardware and the challenges he has come across throughout his journey.
In 2017 Mhlanga saw an opportunity to provide the community with the best affordable paints at an easily accessible location “I saw how people struggled with finding the cheapest quality paints, they had to travel far which meant they had to spend extra” mentioned Mhlanga. He decided to use his savings of 5 years to start a business that will not only serve him but the community as well.
Owning a business comes with a lot of challenges especially when you are starting out, one of Mhlanga challenge was drawing in customers, “Gaining customers was a big challenge and having to find a supplier who will provide me with the cheapest yet quality paints” he related. He added that being in competition with big companies also proved to be challenge however, being able to mix colors was an advantage for him as the other companies only sell already mixed colors that has helped to gain even more customers that are fully satisfied, because they get the colour they want right on the spot, there is no need for them to make an order as he will mix any color while you wait for it.
Growing his business from a 12 metre container to a two story container is his dream, he is also looking into branching out so that he can provide his services not only to the people in Dobsonville but to other people as well.
He draws his inspiration for the love of serving the community, when his customers come back to give him positive feedback, he prides himself on how honest he is with his customers “I give my customers what they want and what is worth their money” added Mhlanga.
Mhlanga advises people who are looking into entrepreneurship to be focused, disciplined and have the love for whichever industry they want to venture into, “do not undertake to do something because you see other people prospering in it, do it because you have the love for it, it will make your job easier” said Mhlanga.“ Having passion and dedication for what you are selling means a lot, because without passion there is no understanding of what customers want and how to cater for them”, added Mhlanga.
“The only way to making sure that your business is a success is to have respect for customers, don’t associate friends with business. Be patient and believe in your business in order for customers to believe in you. ”Furthermore, people should stay truthful to their customers and also having the knowledge of how to balance books is an added advantage as you will get to know how much profit you are making and be aware when going into bankruptcy, he mentioned. His goal of growing Mhlanga rocks is what fuels his vision.
Slindile Sibiya and Veronica Malinga
Soweto Sunrise News
