Born without limits. Raised without fear. Determined to leave a legacy. These are the philosophies to create the redefinition of talent but Professor Utonium accidentally added an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction…. CHEMICAL X! Thus The Powerhouse, Sthandiwe Mhlongo was born!
Okay, corny jokes aside, to say she is not multi-talented is an understatement, to say she is not gifted in her craft would be condescending to say the least with the success of both her events and the hair industry we got a chance to spend time time with our feature entrepreneur who is the owner of Sithelo Phila Events and Sthandi’s Weaves and Wigs. Read Our Interview Below:
Urban Divinity Media: Thank You For Joining Us Today MaMhlongo
Ndiwe: It is an honour thank you for having me
Q: Alright, so before we find out about your business could you tell us a little more about yourself?
Ndiwe: Sthandiwe Mhlongo
An ambitious young lady from Ridge Park, Pietermaritzburg.
I love anything that grows me, whether it is financially or/and mentally.
Career oriented mother of one 2 year old. Born in 1995 (June 14)
People always say I should’ve or should be a psychologist. I love helping people with problems they encounter. I talk a lot and give great advice. Apparently (chuckles)
Q: From what we have seen from your online portfolio you are quite skilled and highly organised in your business, what made you taken an interest in events organizing? Is it the only aspect of your Business?
Ndiwe: I’ve always had a huge interest in Event Management. I used to play a huge role in organizing functions at home even when I was in school.
During my Varsity days, whenever my friends had birthdays, I’d organize cute little picnics and parties for them, not more than 5 guests (chuckles)
I used to love it!
I don’t only do decor and Catering. I sell hair and provide all hair services (Sthandi’s Weaves and Wigs).
I run other businesses and have investments as well. But Sithelo Phila Events is my passion. Event Management is what I was made for.
Urban Divinity Media: And it shows, when you do something you feel you are called for you excell at it.
Q: I’m sure the road to success hasn’t always been smooth, with some of the events I’ve seen first hand I can say the behind the scene process to make a event successful is a handful…
What are some of the constant challenges you face when putting an event together for a client? Is it venue, sound, decor or even being paid on time? What is it that people don’t know that happens before they arrive to an event where everything is set up?
Ndiwe: It’s a beautiful journey but sometimes we come across clients that feel like they are doing a favour for you by booking you. This is the most hurtful thing you can ever come across in business.
The concept of paying a deposit as booking still seems to be a problem, but I’ve become a bit strict.
Urban Divinity Media: And it really doesn’t make sense, you deliver great service you should be paid on time!
Q: Bouncing off your response who/what is your target clientele? Who are the usual people that book you?
Ndiwe: To be honest, I do not have a specific target market. Any and everyone is welcome to book me. I can work with any budget.
Anyone planning an event, from kiddies parties to weddings, is my targeted audience.
Q: With the current social climate we have seen the rise of many independent businesses led by black women, would you say you have experienced any challenges becuase of your race and gender due to this thick, dated atmosphere of patriarchy?
Ndiwe: Well, my gender works in my favour. A feminine touch is mandatory if you ask me (Laughs)
Race, to be honest, I’ve only been approached by black clients.
Q: Where do you see Sithelo Phila Events in 5 years? J&B Met, Durban July? A Fill Up? An Orchestra? Where are we expanding to from here?
Ndiwe: I wish to have my own estate /wedding /function venue. A place where top notch weddings and events are held and hosted.
Urban Divinity Media: Top Billing is Calling Your Name.
Q: Most of us take this for granted but I for one believe event organising in itself is a work of art, as such I would like to know what legacy would you like your craft to in the minds of people when Sithelo Phila becomes a generational wealth company and a family heirloom?
Ndiwe: Sithelo Phila Events is named after my daughter. (Sithelo Philasande).
I’d love it to be a family business one day when even Sithelo has kids of her own. My dream is for it to be generational.
Urban Divinity Media: Thank You For Joining Us Wishing You All The Best For Your Future Endeavors
Ndiwe: It is a pleasure. And Likewise.
Eloquent. Efficient. Driven. There is a new kind of woman in the new decade, one who is standing on her own two,one who is building a legacy for her children, one is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone to get what she deserves, she is the lady next door, the lady you go to church with, the lady you study at school of the many that she is and can be. A part of her is Sthandiwe Mhlongo, uNjomane, the new age of events organizing. Worthy of Recognition.
Follow Sithelo Phila Events
Instagram: @sithelo_phila_events
Email: Sithelophilae@gmail.com
Article By: Malibongwe Dladla
Images Curated By: Malibongwe Dladla
Image Source: Facebook
Contact: @The_Kinsman88 (Twitter & IG)
Urban Divinity Media 