4 Inspiring South African Women in Business
In a world where women’s achievements continue to reshape industries and redefine boundaries, we’re taking a moment to pay tribute to the remarkable journeys of visionary South African entrepreneurs: Jade Kirkle and Dani Silbermann, Tzvia Hermann, and Sandy Fuhr.
Jade Kirkle and Dani Silbermann: Trailblazers in Fashion and Footwear
Jade Kirkle and Dani Silbermann, co-founders of JoyJoy sneakers share a few insights on their journey.
As women entrepreneurs, we know that we stand on the shoulders of the women that came before us and fought for our rights and place in society. We are forever grateful for their contribution and deep impact. Being “working moms”, (we put that in inverted commas because no one has ever called our husbands “working dads”), we often find ourselves in pursuit of the infamous work/life balance. We want to know why it needs to balance. Sometimes you give more to your work and sometimes more to your family. That’s just how it goes. The twists and turns of building a business and raising a family.
We often get into trouble for our somewhat bold opinions but feel strongly about women staying active in the workforce. Why, well because we believe women can make a massively positive contribution to our world. There is much that we have to offer. As women, we are proactive and intuitive, we bring a different level of understanding and compassion to the world. We put our money back into society and education, we raise families and nurture and build our own girls to dream big. We’ve seen what happens when women can break through that barrier, they become real change-makers.
Tzvia Hermann: Revolutionising the Beauty Industry
Tzvia Hermann’s journey is one of innovation and revolution within the beauty industry. As the owner of The Laser Beautique, she has introduced cutting-edge technologies that have redefined beauty and skincare treatments. Tzvia’s commitment to excellence and her drive to provide women with the best beauty experience have set her apart as a true visionary. Her story inspires women to embrace their uniqueness and create their own paths in industries that were once dominated by traditional norms.
Tzvia Hermann says; “As a sister, mother, wife, educator and entrepreneur, International Women’s Day holds a profound significance for me. I believe it’s not just imperative that we celebrate the progress made in advancing women’s rights, but even more important to remember the persistent struggles that continue to shape the path towards gender equality. Especially in our country, South Africa, there is still a lot of work to be done in breaking down barriers and ensuring that women from all walks of life have the freedom to pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination or prejudice.”
“This day and the month of August should serve as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of ALL women across the globe, highlighting their spirit, resilience, and unwavering determination,” Hermann continues. “Women are the pillars of communities who play important roles as mothers, teachers, caregivers, educators, leaders, and professionals. It’s about recognising these unsung heroes among women who make invaluable contributions, quietly shaping the world around them with their resilience, compassion, and determination. It’s also about the powerhouse women who boldly break barriers and inspire generations with their unapologetic pursuit of excellence. These women challenge the status quo and pave the way for a future where equal pay for women and gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.”
Sandy Fuhr: Pioneering Education in Beauty Therapy
Sandy Fuhr, a pioneer in education and empowerment, founded the Beauty Therapy Institute to equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the beauty industry. Her dedication to uplifting women through education has resulted in the creation of a platform that not only imparts technical skills but also fosters personal growth. Sandy’s journey emphasizes the importance of learning, mentorship, and creating spaces where women can thrive and shape their destinies.
According to Sandy Fuhr, women’s month is a time to recognise the pivotal role a woman plays in society. Be it in the workplace or home. Women bring with them an ability to balance energies in all aspects. Fuhr says Women’s Day is important to her because South African women spent far too many years being overlooked for major roles and responsibilities in the workplace. Historically, they were also paid less than men. It is a wonderful time to salute women for the contributions they bring to the table.
Describing her biggest motivation, Fuhr says she is passionate about uplifting others to have a future and a career. She wants every woman (and man) to have the benefits that she has had with a sound education to support her dogged drive to a viable career. She is celebrating Women’s Day by having her annual Franchise forum for all of her franchise partners, educators and administrators this August. The majority of their 60 strong team members are female, with a few male partners who bring balance into our business model.
As Women’s Month unfolds, we celebrate not only their achievements but also their shared commitment to empowering women, nurturing talents, and challenging the status quo.