Name: Audrey
Company: Midnight Confessions
Business Line: Adult entertainment online store
Contact: +27 (0) 64 766 9648
Website: www.midnight-confessions.co.za
TM: Can you briefly tell us a bit about yourself:
A: I am just a normal person. No special skills, no diplomas. I have always wanted to help people, and what better place to start than in the bedroom?
TM: Can you please tell us about what you do? What is Midnight Confessions all about and why was it created?
A: So. I sell sex enhancement products. This includes lubricants, enhancers, toys and lingerie. Midnight Confessions is all about improving people's intimate lives, because I feel intimacy is a major part of relationships. I created this company to try and help women., give them a voice and help them realise that they are allowed to have great sex without the guilt. I want to promote healthy sexual relationships.
TM: What inspired you to venture into your line of work and who supported you along the way?
A: For years I have realised that our society still finds it difficult to talk about sex and sexuality. How should our daughters learn their value and self respect if we don't talk to them about it? We need to educate our sons on respecting boundaries and relationships. We need to save the next generation from sexually transmitted diseases and failed relationships. I don't even know any women who has the ability to talk about their sexual relationship openly to help improve their sex life... This has major long term effects. And who knows, maybe soon I could be part of the solution for unemployment in our country.
Honestly I only have a small group of friends and family that have been supportive. Again because of this mostly taboo subject.
I have been called allot of names though, but this will not stop me from helping women especially across SA
TM: Where did you get the financial backing to start your business?
A: I learnt the hard way that it is super hard to get any form of backing to start your own small business. I had to get a personal loan to get stock, and to get my website started. I must admit that it is tough. I now know why we don't have good growth in the small business sector. Banks don't want to help with business loans before you have been operating for quite some time. You can't operate without money, how should you start?
TM: How has your journey been as an entrepreneur behind a growing brand?
A: It has been exciting and exhausting. Some days when I have had a conversation with a young woman and realise that I might have made a difference, it makes the struggles worth it. But I don't want to lie, it is tough both financially and emotionally.
TM: What are some of the challenges you have endured and how have you overcome these?
A: I think financially it has put allot of strain on me, as well as emotional. The financial part is a continuous struggle, I find other ways to try and make some extra money though. My family's needs keep me going. I am just generally quite an optimistic person, and personal attacks from others I just keep reminding myself that we are not all the same, and that is okay. I cannot force people to understand or see things my way. There will be those that want help and support and I focus on those.
TM: Why should anyone use your services or products?
A: Because for me this is not just a way to make money, this is my passion. I believe in giving my customers the best personal service possible. And if I don't have an answer, I Will search until I find one. I pick the best quality products for my clients. I will not sell something that I will not be prepared to use myself. To me quality products and service really matter.
TM: Its quiet clear that you have broken ground and you are doing well. Where do you see yourself in the near future?
A: I want to increase my product range and perhaps even create my own personal range of products, made in South Africa.
TM: What advice would you best give to young entrepreneurs who like to venture into your line of work?
A: You have to be committed, passionate and patient. Always treat your customers the way you would like to be treated.
TM: Do you think that South Africans have embraced your concept based on the sales that you make?
A: I think we still have a long road ahead, but there is hope, always.
TM: Which are some of your best selling products (please classify them according to gender)?
A: Vibrators are absolutely the winner for both men and women. And then enhancement products for women specifically.
TM: If it hadn't been Midnight Confessions, where could you have been right now?
A: Most likely stuck in an office doing filing...
TM: How do you achieve work-life balance?
A: I maintain normal office hours. When it is non working hours, I stay away from my phone where ever possible, especially weekends. And spend time with my family and fur kids.
TM: What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?
A: You have to put yourself in the shoes of those around you, clients, staff, family and friends and think how actions and especially words will effect them. You never ever know what someone else is dealing with. Kindness is free, don't be afraid to share it.
