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I never dreamed about success, I worked for it

Minakshi Hira Single mum, survivor of GBV, eNCA (ex) Sales Manager, AMC Consultant, professional network Marketer and entrepreneur.

After working in corporate for over 23 years, I decided that it was time to use the skills that I learnt in the business world to make it work to my advantage. I left my full-time employment at the end of August 2019, with not much of an action plan in place. I was not sure if my bold move was bravery or stupidity. All I knew then was that I needed to be my own boss and I had to make this work. I started doing network marketing on a part-time basis and I attended many events and workshops. I was inspired by people who have made a living by pursuing that profession and I thought I would help me do the same.

Little did I realise that, without a mentor to show me the ropes, it was going to be quite a challenging exercise. I pushed myself by travelling to different places to sell my products. I also tried to recruit new prospects, but I failed. To add fuel to the fire, in March 2020 we were hit by the pandemic and global lockdown. I experienced much anxiety and I thought about ending my life, as I was in over my head in debt. At that point in time I started contacting all the debtors to make the relevant arrangements. Thereafter I had a chat with my children and partner, which led us to brainstorming business ideas.

In May 2020 GURO FOODS was launched. You might wonder why GURO FOODS? Well, the name was formed using my parents’ ‘nicknames’. My dad was lovingly called GUppy & my mum ROokie. My daughter Shalisha, who is an Art Director, worked on my branding, logo and menu. My son Prenesh and I worked on the delivery function. On 4 May 2020 we received our first few orders which we delivered to very happy customers. Orders started flowing in, with most support coming from my network in the media industry. I was truly grateful for that as It allowed me to pay some of my debt and buy more stock for my business to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, once we went into lockdown, orders were fewer as people were at home cooking their own food. When the fast food industry was allowed to open up again, my food business came to a very slow halt.

August 2020 brought about more anxiety as I was struggling to survive and create an income. I prayed and that night my dad’s voice (he has passed on) came to mind in my sleep “why don’t you bottle your sauce and sell?” That is when GURO Sauce was born. The sauces were given my parents’ names. Rookie – Mild, sweet, soft touch of chilli but flavourful just like my mum. Guppy – Hot, one look at my dad’s eyes and we knew that we were in trouble :-). I have added a new sauce recently which Is Xtra Hot, which is not for the faint hearted! My sauces are available in 700ml and 250ml bottles and they are delicious with any food dishes, snacks, braais, pasta, spreads or even add to your stews or curries for added heat.

We started a campaign in August for women’s month as I wanted to give back to abused women, being a victim myself. The aim was to sell 5000 bottles of sauce in 5 months before I reached my 50th birthday, which is on 15 January. Unfortunately, we only sold 271 bottles by that time. Another milestone was achieved in September 2021 as we sold 1000 bottles. The mission to accomplish selling 5000 bottles is still on the cards, and I’m working towards achieving that goal within the next 18 – 24 months. My sauces have been sent to Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Kenya, New York and of course throughout South Africa. I would like to get them into more countries through my network. I have a minimal marketing budget currently, so you would find GURO on Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp.

I started my business with R350. I have received financial assistance for the business from my partner Parish, my sisters Jothika and Kavita and other family members. They helped whenever I needed anything for the business, from bottles to labels, stock and packaging. The past two years have been very tough. I survived the worst year during 2020 when I started my business without a stable income, however I was able to survive all the trials and tribulations that the year brought with it. I have learnt that nothing is impossible. I have come up with a plan to move forward. I have taken the decision to get rid of my car, I learnt about delivery services, downgraded my lifestyle and expenses to have peace of mind with regards to affordability, which would minimise the stress so that I could concentrate on my business. I must also mention that I have an amazing support structure from my family and a few friends I have managed to retain.

I think 2020 made me stronger. It got me to dream bigger and it also taught me to embrace my decision to become an entrepreneur, leaving my full-time job behind. I am determined to make my business a success, to sell 5000 bottles of sauce and to get my sauces into Africa and beyond. I say this with confidence as I know that anything is possible if you put your mind and effort into it.

Seeing that I have a passion for network marketing, I have decided to partner with an international company again in July 2021. I have learnt that one income stream is no longer an option, especially after all the corruption, looting, unemployment and our economic situation. My vision for GURO is to expand into Africa, so with all my knowledge and my network throughout the continent, I know that I will grow GURO Sauce footprint and my network business. I already have partners in Ghana, Namibia and Zimbabwe so as we create residual income and I see the team and my network growing, I would expand the distribution of my product into these countries as well.

Nothing is impossible. We just need to use our resources wisely to get started. Believe, keep the faith, have courage to continue, ask for help when you are not sure, seek guidance, read and invest in yourself to create a better future for you and your family. There are always opportunities knocking on the door. It is up to you how you move forward with it. Your belief system in yourself will carry you to your next level. Just don’t give up when things seem tough. There is always another way around or another contact you could call. Just keep moving forward.

Guro Foods is online at https://gurofoods.company.site

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8 Comments

  • Annah says:

    You are an inspiration to me Mina….

  • Ekta says:

    So proud to be a part of your life !

    So proud to always see you land back on your feet … always !!!

    You never give up – you inspire women without even knowing

    All the Best!
    The best is yet to come

    God Bless

  • Khensi4sho says:

    You are such a hard worker and with such dedication, determination and confidence I salute you. Keep shining up where you belong since the bottom is overcrowded. Love you my friend. Blessings and more blessings ❣️❣️❣️

  • Emelda says:

    Wow as an entrepreneur it is not easy but determination and done forget your Big Why …..keep pushing …keep dreaming….inspired.??

    • Mpho Ralenala-Akinola says:

      Well done leader Mina, your story is so inspirational.

      Wishing you a success in your endeavours.

  • Raeesah Reed says:

    I am truly proud and happy for you Mina…keep embracing your Journey…Stay Blessed my dear friend…
    Love and Light Raeesah xoxo

  • Randy says:

    You go girl!!!…. all the best Mina. I see and feel your vision, here’s to better times ahead and never forget, ” make your move before you ready, success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm”!

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