South African entrepreneur helping clients take the stress out of organising their events

For many companies and individuals, the thought of organising events can be a logistical nightmare, but for Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management, it’s a pleasure. 

But what does it take to run a successful event management company?

What does your company do?

We are a specialist Events Management Company.

What inspired you to start your company?

While the saying goes ‘leaders are not made they are born’ that is how l feel about being entrepreneurial. As long as l can remember, I have always had an idea to sell something. My eye has always been able to identify a gap and an opportunity. For instance, if we were at youth camp and the leader said write in your note book, l would look up to see how many were actually writing and at the next meeting l would rock up with extra pens and notebooks for sale. Whenever we went to a tournament, l would be the one with extra candy and treats for sale. If l was at work, I would be the one with the catalogues selling perfumes, handbags, and whatever else I felt people just might need. While other people perhaps felt self conscious about selling, l loved it – so much so that when l went to Varsity l majored in marketing.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Organizing an event can be highly stressful, which is why we encourage our clients to allow us to deal with that stress so they can focus on enjoying their function. We specialize in Venue Finding, Conferences, Team Building, Facilitation, Private Functions and Logistical Support. We offer a wide range of Corporate Gifts which can be branded with company logos, as well as Favors in line with any chosen event theme. No event is too big or too small for us.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

l have learnt a few valuable lessons along the way. Entrepreneurship is not for the fainthearted. When l decided to register my business, l made the mistake most entrepreneurs make. l splashed out on furnishing big offices in an expensive area, and incurred a lot of other overheads which where really not necessary in the beginning because the business did not have the capacity to meet all those costs. So we were spending much more before we started making anything. It wasn’t long before it became too much. Most entrepreneurs understand the emotional roller coaster that is involved in starting a business. l folded but the dream was still there and a few years later and becoming a lot wiser, l got up and started again. When we know better we do better. In these days of google there is no need to go through what I did. My advice is to do your research in your area of expertise, know your competitors, figure out what your niche is. Don’t be easily intimidated, be bold and step out, you will surprise yourself. As a Christian my faith also plays a huge role, l believe when you trust in the Lord and commit your ways to him he will direct your path.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

To be able to operate a well oiled business. At the moment I personally handle most of our work and it leaves little room for much else. While l am a business person, I have many other facets – I am also a mother, a student, a sister, a daughter, a woman! I would love to be in position where even if l am away, l know our standards remain constant in the business.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

The ability to make a difference. Each project is unique especially in my industry. Every event/function/conference is unique and to be able to sit down with a client, listening to what and how they want their event to unfold and being able to deliver, is priceless. Events management is also a relational business, so it’s gratifying to be able to walk away from a function knowing you have left your footprint.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

As women, we have it in us to be tenacious in so many area of our lives, why not business? If not now then when? If not you then who? Awaken the lioness within you.