Page 23 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Keep pushing, no matter what.

Even if the world gives up on you, don’t ever give up on yourself.

Keep Pushing Forward means to help others, and that’s something I’ve always
Owner,
wanted to do,” she says. “Whether it’s supporting local
3@1 Business Centre Richards Bay Family has always been a cornerstone of Jessica’s life, charities or simply offering my services to individuals
providing both inspiration and motivation. “My family
essica Govender, the owner of the 3@1 Business has played a big role in getting me to where I am who need a hand, I want to make a difference.”
Although her business is still in its early stages, she is
Centre Richards Bay, is a determined entrepreneur today,” she reflects. “My late brother Kelvin, my parents,
Jwho has carved a niche for her business in a Annie my aunt, and especially my husband have been optimistic about its potential for growth so that she
competitive market. “We specialise in a range of incredibly supportive. They inspired me to keep pushing can make an even bigger impact on the lives of those
secretarial services,” she explains, listing photocopying, forward, even when things got tough.” around them.
printing, laminating, and bookbinding among the many The path to success has not been without its hurdles.
offerings. “We also cater to personalised needs with mug “My kids are my biggest inspiration,” she added. “I want “There have been plenty of ups and downs,” Jessica
and T-shirt printing, as well as international and national them to see that, despite the challenges, their mum admits. “The exchange rate can be unpredictable,
courier services.” The business is part of a franchise didn’t give up. I want them to look back one day and which affects our courier services, and we’re constantly
network, with 3@1 Richards Bay being one of 85 stores say, ‘Mum did it, and she did it well’.” up against larger competitors.” Yet she sees these
across South Africa. “It’s a competitive landscape,” Running a business in a competitive field like printing has obstacles as opportunities for growth. “Failure is
Jessica acknowledges, “and we have to constantly bring its challenges, especially in today’s digital age. “It’s difficult definitely a stepping stone to success,” she says. “It’s a
something new to the table to stay in the game.”
sometimes to convince people of the value of printed way to find your own greatness. You can’t let setbacks
The journey to this point wasn’t straightforward. products when digital alternatives are so readily available,” define you. Instead, you have to learn from them and
Jessica’s story begins in Brackenham, where she grew Jessica admits. “Everyone has laptops and smartphones, keep pushing forward.”
up and attended Richards Bay Secondary School and it’s easy to overlook the personal touch that print Jessica has a special message for young women who
before furthering her studies at Umfolozi College. She offers.” She believes in the enduring appeal of tangible dream of becoming business owners: “Don’t give up
shared, “Growing up wasn’t easy, and life had its share keepsakes, like printed photo books. “A photo book isn’t on yourself,” she urges. “Dreams do come true, but
of struggles. But I’m grateful for the hard work that has just a collection of images; it’s a curated memory that you you have to be willing to put in the hard work to make
brought me here.” Her initial ambition was to venture can hold, share, and pass down through generations,” she them a reality.”
into the engineering field, but she found herself drawn explains. “It’s different from having hundreds of photos
to the world of printing and copying. “I’m a creative on your phone that no one ever really looks at.” As for the future, Jessica has big plans for her business.
person, and this industry has allowed me to channel The business offers large-format printing, which is in high “I want to take 3@1 Richards Bay to greater heights,”
that creativity in ways I hadn’t expected,” she explains. demand for projects such as building plans. “Richards she says. “I hope to open more stores and continue
“It’s been a rewarding experience.” expanding our services.”
Bay is an area that’s constantly developing, with new
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, construction projects underway all the time,” Jessica says. Jessica believes that the time she spends with her
Jessica gained valuable experience working for 12 years, “We’ve had to adapt by providing competitive pricing family helps her maintain a sense of balance and
including a position at Bell Equipment, a well-known and expanding our range of services to meet the needs fulfilment in her life. “Family time is a priority, and we
local company. “I enjoyed my time there, but I reached of the community.” Despite the competition, Jessica’s treasure those moments together. My daughter is 10,
a point where I needed a change,” she recalls. “The idea approach to the business remains one of continuous and my son is 13. It feels like just yesterday they were
of starting my own business had always been at the innovation and customer-focused strategies. “We have to toddlers. We try to make the most of times with them
back of my mind.” It wasn’t a decision she made lightly, keep introducing new services and finding ways to make because time flies, and before we know it, they’ll be
as she weighed the risks of launching a new venture. things easier for our customers,” she adds. moving on to the next chapter of their lives. Shopping
However, with her husband’s support, she decided A Positive Impact is a bit of a guilty pleasure,” she adds with a laugh.
to take the plunge. “He’s been a huge motivator
throughout this journey,” she says. “His encouragement Jessica is committed to making a positive impact on her Jessica concludes, “The journey hasn’t been easy, but
helped me push forward and take that leap of faith.” community. “Owning a business gives me the financial it’s definitely been worth it.”

Jessica GOVENDER | 21