Page 25 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

I was told that you can’t do this, it’s impossible or you’re not good enough

– that made me work harder and encouraged me to achieve more.

because so many times I was told that you can’t do Ballito in solar installations. This was in less than a year
Owner and Founder, Dolphin Coast
this, it’s impossible. Or I was told you don’t belong in of operating, as a startup company and a female owner.
Solar Solutions something like this. I was broken down at a stage.”
However, Isabeau’s accomplishments extend beyond
sabeau Du Preez, is the owner and founder of Dolphin The right solution the business. She has built invaluable relationships and
Coast Solar Solutions. From humble beginnings in connections with her clients, which go beyond a typical
IBallito, Isabeau has recently expanded her business’s However, Isabeau continued along her journey and business-customer relationship. Many of her clients still
reach far north and far south, even extending her achieved great results. She said that she thought the call her for a catch up, which she really enjoys.
influence to Cape Town. biggest challenge for her was getting her name out Isabeau added, “We talk about my background and my story
there and winning the trust of people. Much of this
Speaking of her motivation to start the company she and where I come from.” These interactions she explains
says, “I started the company because I like to find process entailed, “Making sure that they know that I’m have developed into a motivational story and Isabeau has
not here to just sell them something that they don’t
solutions. “Obviously we’re all in the same position with need,” explained Isabeau. been invited to give motivational talks as a consequence.
load shedding. We all have the same problems and I’m Isabeau thinks that every single day is an achievement
there to help you to find a solution. And for me, it’s The field of solar technology is complex, and Isabeau’s because she says, “you’re moving forward.”
not just about putting a system on your roof.” Of note, approach involves educating her clients about
Isabeau strives to educate her clients and is there to products, their warranties, and the importance of A dynamic journey
help them achieve their goals. choosing the right solution – which may not be
the cheapest. It’s about offering comprehensive, Isabeau’s vision for the future is as dynamic as her journey
In addition, Isabeau is inspired to make a difference, not sustainable energy solutions and guiding her clients has been so far. She aspires to expand her business
just only in her community, but globally as well. She to make an informed choice. further, setting her sights on Cape Town, where demand
believes that as solar energy is clean and sustainable, its
use can make a massive difference to our planet. “Research, ask questions and educate. That’s what I do,” for her services has already started to take root.
said Isabeau. Her ambitions aren’t confined to business alone; she also
An amazing experience wants to uplift and empower more women in the industry.
The glass ceiling In advising other women, she says that through her story
Isabeau had training in solar installation and worked for a she would like them to know that there’s no limit to what
solar company for some time until she decided to go on Isabeau’s journey is not just about overcoming they can do. She explains, “I have achieved what I was told
her own. What sets her journey apart is that she started challenges; it’s about breaking through the glass ceiling was not possible and yet here I am. My advice for women
her company with no support. Isabeau simply decided, and inspiring others to do the same. She added, “I literally following in my path would be to have confidence; build
“I’m going to do this,” and she added that looking at her see the business as my baby, and I have grown with my yourself up, get a good network, and a good support
progress she has had an amazing experience so far and business. I’ve built connections with my clients and it’s a system including family, friends, and peers.”
learnt a lot of lessons. very rewarding job to have.”
She added, “Obviously we will always be faced with
Starting a business in a competitive male-dominated Isabeau believes that in the world of business, one will difficulties. You have to have the confidence and you
industry was never going to be easy. However, said always be faced with difficulties and setbacks. “There’s have to build resilience just to bounce back when there’s
Isabeau, she quickly started to build really good not always a book that tells you the solution to the failures. You cannot avoid them, but it’s how you handle
relationships and a really good clientele. problem. It’s just for you to figure it out, and then again them. Also just have fun and enjoy what you do. It’s your
move forward,” she explained.
In addition, as a mom, Isabeau had to juggle the passion and you can do it.”
needs of her family and her work demands, which is To overcome some of the mental challenges, Isabeau Being part of KZN Top Business Women is really an amazing
never effortless. uses running to destress and refocus.
experience, said Isabeau, and means a lot to her. She
Her motivation to succeed was driven by the challenges added, “When I made the decision that I’m going to start
she faced along the way. Isabeau commented, “My Moving forward my own company, when I decided to take that leap of
motivation came from a different background. It wasn’t A noteworthy achievement for Isabeau is that Dolphin faith, it was worth it.” Isabeau concluded that she is now
an education. It wasn’t anything like that. It was actually Coast Solar Solutions has recently been voted as Best of ‘picking the fruits’ and that she is very blessed.

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