39, Johannesburg
“The lessons I learned at TCB allowed me to change the way I think about myself and what I am capable of.”
A woman of determination and resilience
Xolisile Cele’s story is one of determination, hard work, and resilience. A mother of 3, she was once a struggling businesswoman who did not have the discipline or structure to succeed. But, with the help of TCB she was able to turn her life around and build two successful businesses.
Xolisile’s life was tough. She was just surviving, buying and selling second hand clothes from a lady who was part of the TCB programme and will forever be grateful for having been invited to an open day. Xolisile then was given the opportunity to start her journey with TCB. In the beginning, she was lazy and skipped classes, but soon learned to take the lessons seriously.
A True Support System
A lot was learnt at TCB, not just about business but about herself as well. “I had to learn that it wasn’t just about the money, I needed to change my mindset. I learned patience and responsibility,” she remembers. She also learned the importance of building relationships and having a support system.
“We all had problems, life was hard but knowing you were building relationships with people who were in the same boat as you, made it easier.”
Xolisile’s life has changed significantly since completing TCB’s Programme. She is financially independent and has moved from a small room in Orange Grove to a house in Parkmore. The Incubator Programme (a once-off programme designed to assist graduates to grow their already running, successful businesses) helped her to grow her business and find her spark again during difficult times. She is proud of her furniture and baby hamper businesses and has even created a partnership with her husband, her now delivery man, to keep the income in the family. “The support from my husband was vital. He took charge of the house and our kids. I am so grateful for his input and loving support!” she adds.
Xolisile’s dream is to have a successful business that provides for her children and allows her to take care of her family. “I want my kids to look at me and know that all things are possible.” She says.
Advice for others: Follow your heart and never give up.
Xolisile’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to follow their hearts and never give up on their vision. She encourages others to find their passion and turn it into a business, to start where they are with what they have, and to find a support system to help them along the way.
Xolisile Cele is a true inspiration and proof that with determination, hard work, and the right support, anything is possible.
