#WIB – Q&A With Faziela Harris-Davids Owner Of LitchiApple
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
LitchiApple is a small business that sells holistic educational products for children with an inclusive learning approach.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
I started my business in May 2020, just after I was retrenched in March 2020 due to the covid pandemic. Initially, I had no intentions of starting a business, as my children were learning via online school, so I figured, why not make learning fun for them at home and make the most of the time I always wanted to spend with them, that I never quite got working in the construction industry. This was when I shared what I was doing on my social media pages and was approached by a few parents wanting me to make the same products for their kids. After about a month of thinking about it, I made 10 kits and said I would try to sell them, if not, then at least I can say I tried. Within one week I sold out the 10 kits and needed to make more.
3. What is your role in your business?
I wear many hats, researcher, designer, manufacturing, marketing, and financial advisor. As a one woman show, I cover as many aspects as I can, with my children being the main product testers of course.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management, specializing in Facilities Management. Very left field, however, as a parent, I am always trying my best to research things to empower my children so this fits in perfectly.
5. How did you finance your business?
Everything has been self financed as I manage a full time job.
6. Describe your average work day, if such a thing exists.
Getting up around 5:30 am, morning prayers first, this has been my moment of grounding before I get my day going as everyday is different. Managing a full time job and then finishing off any orders in the evening, with the afternoons spent with my children. Not forgetting working on my art skills and writing my second book that I am co-authoring with a good friend. So not an average work day at all.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
It’s not always easy I will admit, but having a partner who steps in has been a really big help. Also learning that I don’t need to play superwoman and manage what and how things need to be done. Letting go of that sense of control has done wonders for my mental space.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I am surrounded by amazing women who support me and inspire me each and everyday. As independent as I am, this support system has helped me reach my goals and be fearless.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
Before bed, that’s when my mind is at its busiest.
10.Where and how do you market/ advertise your business for sales leads?
Most of my advertising has been through my Instagram and Facebook page, as well as collaborating with top mommy bloggers to test out my product range. I have done about 3 markets thus far, however, have none planned as yet for 2023.
11.What is next for your business?
Right now my focus is on upskilling and adding on products that truly capture the niche that my brand stands for. That being as an aid to help those children who are often overlooked or misunderstood for not having a mainstream way of thinking. Whether it be incorporating play dough into learning math, or building blocks for word building.
12.What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Dreams are only dreams if there is no action. Take the first step, if you mess up it’s okay, that’s how we learn, but don’t let anyone dissuade you because it might get hard, or be too much work. Vera Wang created her first official line at the age of 40, so go for it. The only limit you have is you.
Bio:
A sustainable small business founded in 2020, when the need for holistic educational resources were in demand due to online learning. LitchiApple has put the fun back in learning by adapting an inclusive learning approach to her products. Such as using scented play dough to help with fine motor skills, while providing a sense of calm through its scent, with the added benefit of teaching the alphabet through practical learning.
Contact information:
Faziela on madamfaz@gmail.com
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitchiAppleCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/litchiapple/?hl=en