Page 29 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

Keep knocking on those doors, always be polite,

even when it’s tough.

years ago when her retired husband entrusted her with a One of the biggest challenges they faced, was finances;
Director and co-owner, Argento
building, igniting the spark for their business venture. starting a business from zero with no bank balance, just
Trading 117cc a name and a building, required much perseverance and
Joudalle was motivated to make a positive contribution tenacity. Further challenges encountered were meeting the
oudalle Govender is the director and co-owner of to their community. “It was a dream to do something deadlines of large corporate customers when they didn’t have
Argento Trading 117cc in Isithebe, which manufactures good in this bad world, to establish something that the skills to support them, not having transportation to deliver
J clothing for both corporate and retail clients. would make a positive impact.”
the goods, and having to train people at the same time.
Joudalle is a remarkable businesswoman whose journey Her aim was not initially to be a manufacturing company, All of which would be a daunting challenge for any
to becoming a prominent figure in the world of clothing in fact, they started as an industrial tool company. entrepreneur juggling all those balls at once. Joudalle
manufacturing is inspiring. Her story is one of determination, However, driven by a deep sense of purpose, Joudalle attributes much of the success of the business to her
resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive chose clothing manufacturing as her avenue to create a husband’s inspiration and trust, which allowed her the
impact on the women of her community. lasting impact. She said with a smile, “After all, what lady freedom to lead the business as she saw fit.
doesn’t like clothing?”
Argento Trading 117cc, under Joudalle’s visionary leadership, She commented, “Challenges are always there, but I think
has evolved into a thriving company. With a predominantly In addition, Joudalle had witnessed the decline of the that from every challenge we have learnt something, we
female workforce of 70 employees, she has created a manufacturing hub in Isithebe and felt compelled to got stronger and are looking forward to the next challenge.”
workplace that prioritises inclusivity and collaboration. address the need for support in this sector.
Her future goals revolve around leaving a legacy in Isithebe
What started with buying and selling clothing for a
A big word that makes a meaningful difference in her community. She
company that gave her a chance, then being chosen by would like to have a company that can sustain the next
For Joudalle, achieving is quite a big word. She says, ‘I don’t that company to incubate after winning a request for a generation of young women seeking employment and
know how you would describe achieving, but for me every quote, transformed into a thriving manufacturing business. empowerment, where localisation plays a large part.
day is an achievement. Every little thing is an achievement.
We have a culture of continuous improvement. So, it’s easy Challenges are opportunities Be bold
to achieve things on a daily basis.”
The growth of Argento Trading 117cc has been nothing As a successful businesswoman, Joudalle is passionate
One of her most significant achievements, she believes, is short of remarkable. Beginning with just four employees about encouraging young women to be bold, resilient,
fostering a culture of stability within her company, where and ten second-hand machines the business has now and persistent in pursuing their goals. She believes that
inclusivity and collaboration are the driving forces. “It’s expanded to include 150 machines. hard work and determination are the keys to achieving
no easy feat when you have to get 70 ladies to all be in However, says Joudalle her primary inspiration to succeed is success. “Keep knocking on those doors, always be polite,
agreement at any one time,” says Joudalle with a laugh.
her dedicated workforce, many of whom are single mothers. even when it’s tough,” encourages Joudelle. “There’s
This dedication to creating a harmonious and empowering Their unwavering commitment to their jobs despite facing no free lunch for anybody in this world, no matter what
workplace has led Argento Trading 117cc to be recognised significant personal challenges of their own, where they anybody tells you.”
as the fastest-growing small medium enterprise through wake up at 4 a.m., walk long distances in a rural area to In her rare moments of relaxation, Joudalle cherishes
the SME Accelerator programme in 2023. catch a taxi at 5 a.m. to get to work, and 90% haven’t even spending time with her five children and occasionally
finished school, is what continually motivates her. “I think
However, Joudalle says that her biggest achievement, and engages in meditation to rejuvenate her spirit.
Argento’s as well, has been opening a training school for 18 the inspiration came from the fact that they give so much Being recognised as a KZN Top Business Woman is a
young women from rural areas. She commented, ‘I think and that’s what I’m giving back in return,” shares Joudalle. significant achievement for Joudalle. She views this
the training school was a highlight for me as a leader, which Joudalle maintains a personal connection with her accolade as a platform that motivates her to work even
goes far beyond just monetary value, as leaving a legacy employees, influenced by her Indian culture, her upbringing, harder. It serves as recognition of her company’s core
behind is important.” and her spirituality as a child of God, believing in God’s grace.
values of integrity and respect, while simultaneously
While Joudalle acknowledges her successes, she also says inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She sees
A Positive Contribution
that struggles come with running a business. “It has been her nomination as a well-deserved pat on her back, which
Although Joudalle came from a corporate background which quite a journey,” says Joudelle, “and certainly one not propels her to continue her journey with even greater
she enjoyed, her journey into entrepreneurship began five without many challenges.” dedication and passion.

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