Beauty therapist and business woman Irene Moerane is now now tackling the shoe fashion industry with her ‘Godly tekkies’, a shoe range through which she wants to spread the message of God.
Irene studied beauty therapy, somatology and permanent skin artistry and currently runs Divine Beauty, Spa & Nails in Ifafi, and has just launched her tekkie range. “The creation of my Godly “ Tekkies” was a creative way in which I could spread the message of God through people wearing them,” she says.
What is it like to be a businesswoman in South Africa today?
I found it difficult as a woman to start my entrepreneurial business from scratch. I had to develop multiple skills and a determination not to give up to become the best at what I do. Gender roles and differences definitely caused stress in achieving my goals, but by staying focused and determined I was able to do it.
What obstacles do women encounter in the business world?
The pressure of being a woman in the business world can be overwhelming. As women, we are subject to bias and discrimination. Women entrepreneurs are not given enough support or trusted enough. Lack of support is a major obstacle.
What were your challenges?
I experienced challenges by being a woman and because of my race. But with patience and hard work through the years, I have built a substantial client base with good and steady relationships and I trust them to support me.
What inspires and motivates you?
My greatest inspiration and motivation is my family, who are very supportive, loving, and encouraging. My clients also play an important role as they provide me with positive energy, making me look forward to going to work. This increases my productivity. Their appreciation gives me joy in doing what I do best.
How do you see the role of women in our society?
Women are the key to sustainable development and quality of life in the family. A woman’s role is that of wife, leader, administrator, manager of family income and last but not the least, the mother. Women can no longer be considered as mere harbingers of peace but are emerging as the source of power and a symbol of progress.
What is your wish for women?
I wish every woman can invest or partake in a personal development journey. I wish that all women can become empowered and motivated to invest in their dreams, to develop and better themselves. I believe a strong community of women can empower each other and work together. I wish for women to come together and support each other through victories and failures. I wish for women to develop and grow their passions for whatever it is they desire to do. I believe consistency, visualisation, planning and positivity through prayer helps achieve this.