Name: Gugu Mpungose
Company: Black Tie Media and Communications
Website: https://womanity.co.za
Contact: 072 732 4670
Email: info@blacktiemedia.co.za
South Africa's media stratosphere has become more diverse and inspiring.
But it is never an easy venture for one to partake. Many publications have folded due to the lack of financial resources.
Company: Black Tie Media and Communications
Website: https://womanity.co.za
Contact: 072 732 4670
Email: info@blacktiemedia.co.za
South Africa's media stratosphere has become more diverse and inspiring.
But it is never an easy venture for one to partake. Many publications have folded due to the lack of financial resources.
It is a sector that is the preserve of the brave, daring and ambitious.
Meet Gugu Mpungose. Born and bred in Ulundi, KZN, she has made a name for herself as the founder and editor of Womanity Magazine.
She is also the brains behind The Kings magazine and as if that is not enough, Mpungose is also the author of The Beauty of a Woman.
But just how did the journey begin for the mother of one.
"My venturing into media was inspired by purpose and then turn that into business. It was not really by choice. But, I don't regret being here. In fact, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love making positive impact to people's lives," she said in an interview.
Mpungose's brands fall under Black Tie Media and Communications which was founded in 2015, but started operating in 2017.
They sell inspiration - from magazines ( Womanly and The Kings Magazine) and host empowering events and seminars.
They are not just tied to that. They also do publishing and events planning and management.
The art of patience has been one of her biggest lessons in business.
"Patience is virtue. And passion is paramount. If it was not because of the aforementioned. I would have given up," Mpungose stated.
"Our magazines are unlike others, they are impactful and inspiring. We inspire positive in ones life."
While she might have broken ground as a woman in media, she still wants to grow.
"I see myself owning an established media company.And of course having my titles on retail shelves - that should be soon," she added.
South Africa's ever increasing unemployment rates have put the spotlight on entrepreneurship. But many youths - especially those in the township have dared to venture into business.
"Firstly, business is not for everyone. secondly, for those who want to start, capital is a problem. Lack of infrastructure too. I mean nowadays Internet is a necessity for one to do anything. And that is a problem. We need to create conducive environments that enables growth," she stated.
"Content is king. Invest in good content, that's what people buy into," she attested.
While content is king, just how does she balance her work-life balance?
"I'm not sure if striking a perfect balance is possible. However, I do make time for family as well as work. But there will always be days when one demands more of me than the other. In that case I prioritise," she said.
She added that if she had not decided to venture into business, then she would have continued as an IT developer.
On a lighter side, how does she unwind?
"My favourite food, let me see - I enjoy nicely cooked lamb shank.
Drink: Chai Latte.
Series: I'm not a binger, so I hardly have time for TV, I would rather listen to nice old school RnB.
Book: The year of YES by Shonda Rhimes"
Social Media Platforms
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/womanitymagazine/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/gugu_mpungose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womanitymag/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/thekingsmagazine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womanity-magazine/
