#WIB-Q&A With Judith Maparara Founder Of Console Esthetics
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Console Esthetics is a mobile spa that focuses on health, beauty, and relaxation by providing personal care treatments from grooming to body treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, slimming detox, and much more. We also provide training services and consultations in the comfort of your own space. We take care of the body that works and not only do we leave a smile on your face, but a healthy refreshed body and mind, that is what makes us special.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. Console started in 2017 but became fully registered in 2019. I have always wanted to start a business of my own but had no clue what. Back home ( Zimbabwe ), I was qualified as a Human Resources Manager, I even Studied for Business Administration but sadly never got a job as one. I then worked as a till operator in South Africa and I was promoted to supervisor in less than a month, it caused a commotion in my workplace because those who were there before me could not accept the changes.
I could not bear the pressure and I left. I worked as a waitress for two weeks but still did not find my passion in food and beverage. The shouting and frustrated guests who got the wrong orders left me in tears but prepared me on how to handle difficult clients.
I eventually worked as a receptionist at Majeka House Spa and I was introduced to the world of beauty. I studied and worked at the same time to become a therapist, got qualified, and after doing my first treatment on a client her response was “you have healing hands”. I enjoyed doing treatments, and my passion for people’s well-being grew.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. Even though, I am the founder and CEO, up to today I refer to myself as a somatologist and I still do treatments with the help of my qualified team.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
IPMZ ( Institute of People management Zimbabwe)
- Personnel Management
- Recruitment and selection
- Training
- Labour Relations
- Human Resources planning
(ZCI) Zimbabwe Computer Institute- Computer operations and Packages
UNISA- Business Administration
Sundara International school of Hair & Beauty
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I never waited to get all my ducks in a row. I had to use my salary as well as savings to buy equipment and products thereafter, the money goes directly back into the business while saving the profits. I also do side jobs that assist in paying off bills. This comes in very handy especially when the business is not hitting profit margins.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. My life revolves around working, I am always working. I start my day with a prayer at 07:30 am, follow a to-do list prepared the previous day and I am the last to go to bed, at times midnight or in the early hours of the morning.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. It’s not easy to balance home life and work life. I am a workaholic, and the hours that I do dedicate to family or decide to spoil myself, at the back of my mind, I will be strategizing. My family understands this and they are very supportive.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. The need to change people’s lives for the better inspires me, as well as the need to grow and fulfill my purpose. I listen to a lot of inspirational content from my mentor.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. If not for God`s grace, I would not be where I am today. I often read business content; I learn a new thing every day from my hardworking team. When I am relaxed, eating ice- cream in silence, I meditate and ideas come. When I consult with my clients, they mention their problems and I work on solutions to how best to make the situation better.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. Every person that I come across is a potential client. I always have my business information on hand and I create conversation with strangers to seal deals by giving them my fliers, I use Facebook, referrals, and big institutions.
11. What is next for your business?
A. We are opening a beauty school soon, creating jobs for unemployed mothers, orphans, and, young unemployed youth. I also assist Dream Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs, an organization which is run By Mrs. Elsie Bowazi Musango (https://www.facebook.com/DiceMalawi/)
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. You are going to knock on so many doors and be told NO, you are going to try and pitch your concepts to someone who does not understand your vision and be told NO, but Do not give up there is no perfect formula, the secret is hidden in your talent, what you love doing the most, no matter how silly it might sound. From telling stories to weaving a basket, you can make it, do not wait for perfection, people buy what you offer. Be confident and there is no short cut to success except working hard.
- Draw up a business plan (if you do not understand, the content has become free online or approach someone with a business and ask for assistance)
- Execute your plan without making excuses for not having finances, work with what you have. If you are working, sacrifice a portion every month that goes towards the business until the business can fend for itself
- Approach potential investors if you prefer, should you wish to take that route, make sure your business plan is strong with good financial projections.
- Have many sources of income
Contact information
Cell: 0762370156
Social media
https://www.facebook.com/judith.maparara.7/