Name: Lovelyn Bassey
Company: Urban Ethnic Market
Business Line: Grocery Store
Contact: +27 011 029 5015
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself including your full name:
Company: Urban Ethnic Market
Business Line: Grocery Store
Contact: +27 011 029 5015
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself including your full name:
My name is Lovelyn Bassey. I am a qualified & licensed attorney In South Africa and New York.
What does your company do?
What does your company do?
One of my business interests is Urban Ethnic Market. A grocery store that caters to various African needs from across the continent, even to the Caribbeans.
What inspired you to start your business and what motivated you to venture into this line of work?
What inspired you to start your business and what motivated you to venture into this line of work?
Myself and my family have always wondered why the only places to get groceries from other African countries are in mostly unsafe places and why we couldn't get it all in one place. As a family, we decided to set up our store in a good location where people can get a piece of all of Africa.
How has the general public embraced your concept?
How has the general public embraced your concept?
Initially people were skeptical but they are embracing it more and more.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Why should anyone use your service or product?
There's no other 1-stop all African store in South Africa; We have a wide range of products which we are constantly increasing; We are in a safe location; You can purchase online or in-store; We have a dynamic team and great customer service; We are always working on making our store and services better; and We listen to our customers.
Tell us a little about your team?
Tell us a little about your team?
We are a multi-cultural African team and depending on which African language you speak, you could get attended to in your language or at least in a language you speak.
Please share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Please share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I come from a family that firmly believes you should not work for someone else your whole life. Even if you never become an Oprah Winfrey or Aliko Dangote, carve out a place for yourself in this world and build something you can be proud of, no matter how small. Of course it has to pay your bills. I don't consider myself as having arrived. I am working on other projects with my family and hopefully with lots of work, prayer and support, they'll come to life. Sometimes you never know which venture will the you to your promise land.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We would like to have a store in every province in South Africa, perhaps even franchises and also move into other African countries.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I get the most satisfaction when a business concept or project comes to life. It validates that all the hard work in the background has paid off. And when the concept / project impacts and uplifts others, I am completely overjoyed.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start a business?
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start a business?
I've got a ton because I've learnt a lot but here are some. Making a start-up work is hard work, lots of sleepless nights and sometimes panic attacks but once it takes off, you'll be so proud of yourself. Get advice from people who are doing something similar, it may be useful or not but you can judge for yourself what meets your needs. Support small businesses where you can but don't be held back by people who are not serious with their business. Don't take offence when people don't compliment you as they should or they compliment your male partner instead, take it in your stride, the most important thing is succeeding and making money. Also always remember you have to spend money (smartly) to make money.
