9 years ago, VCA was invited to audition for ETV's show on Small Businesses in South Africa, Its My Biz. I auditioned, terrified, and thinking that it was such an amazing experience to do the audition and laughing all the way back to the office about how out of my depth I was. It was in front of a panel, very Dragon's Den-esque, and the lights of the backdrop even burst into flames while we auditioned! All extremely dramatic. I was quite convinced my days in showbiz were finished, until, a few weeks later, I was called and advised that the show would love us to participate.
My excitement was palpable, and I immediately began office cleaning and reconstruction! On the Monday a crew of 25 strong visited our offices for the part that would give the background of where we currently are, and two weeks later, I needed to go into studio to film the interview section of the episode.
I arrived 2 hours early... just in case.... and before I knew it I was being whisked into have my makeup done with an ex Miss South Africa and a Fairy Godmother! Talking about makeup brands and power cuts like it was just another day. On the way back up to studio and our briefing session I was introduced to a jewellery icon. I was buzzing from start to finish. We did the studio section and when it was concluded, apart from me walking on air, I was offered some mentorship from the jewellery icon..... I jumped at the chance. This lady, at first glance, was polar opposite to me. She was well dressed, dripping in absolutely beautiful jewellery, poised, confidant, and extremely successful. I was invited to her offices a few days later for face to face mentorship, and was to discover that we had more in common than I ever would have believed. As do all us women on closer observation. We have all suffered. We have all bled. We have all sacrificed. What matters is how you carry on. How you learn. How you adapt. How you thrive despite your pain body.
I met 3 ladies that day that will forever have left their impacts. And I am forever grateful for the beautiful serendipity that was It's My Biz. Viva ladies. Viva mentorship. Viva holding out a hand to those who so desperately just need somebody to see them. No act of kindness, however small is ever in vain. Be kind to yourself
