By Farai Diza
« In every setback, a gem emerges as a priceless stepping stone to triumph. To my fellow female entrepreneurs: cultivate unwavering confidence in yourself, actively seek out mentors and wholeheartedly embrace challenges as powerful opportunities for growth.
These are the powerful words of an entrepreneur who successfully turned her life around after becoming a mother as an addicted teenager. Simone Julies-Wicomb thrived as a self-taught entrepreneur in Cape Town. Her journey to adulthood began when she became a teenage mother, and she is making waves in the BPO industry with her innovative new business, Black Elegance.
I always wanted to create a company that would emancipate not only me, but also those around me
« I always wanted to create a company that would emancipate not only me, but also those around me. That’s what inspired me to create Black Elegance. I’m goal-oriented, and empowering others through employment has become a reality, » she said.
Launched in 2019, Black Elegance is not just another call center, but a symbol of triumph over adversity and a catalyst for change in Cape Town and beyond. Simone’s journey from teenage mother to successful entrepreneur is truly inspiring. Her vision to empower youth and revolutionize the call center industry has become a reality with the creation of Black Elegance.
« Despite the challenges I faced, I never doubted my abilities and refused to feel inferior to my male counterparts. I recognized the unique perspectives and skills that women entrepreneurs bring to the table, contributing to the growth and diversity of the industry. Despite the challenges, my journey has been characterized by an unwavering belief in my abilities. I have never allowed myself to feel inferior, » she said.
Black Elegance’s flexible approach has helped her overcome the trials and tribulations of the call center industry. Simone’s determination and resilience have taken the company to new heights. Currently employing around 100 people, Simone’s aim is to expand the workforce to as many as 400, underlining the company’s commitment to job creation in South Africa. Her success demonstrates the potential for black women-owned businesses to excel, grow and forge new partnerships.
Positions the company as an inspiration and a player ready to expand into African and global markets
« The distinctive perspectives and skills that women entrepreneurs bring to the table serve as catalysts for the overall growth and diversity of the industry, » she says.
« Black Elegance provides high-end BPO solutions for call center support, managing both inbound and outbound calls. Their holistic approach maximizes revenue, empowers businesses and minimizes operational costs and risks. My unwavering determination, combined with Black Elegance’s commitment to excellence, positions the company as an inspiration and a player ready to expand into African and global markets, » she concluded.
Simone’s advice to other women entrepreneurs is to cultivate an unwavering belief in themselves, seek out mentors and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. With this mentality, setbacks become steps towards triumph.
She is determined to continue to grow her business empire and take it to greater heights in the near future and beyond.
