Page 89 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook
P. 89
We are taught to train our bodies and value our intellect,
but we need to learn to regulate our emotions.
her father, advising rural farmers, helping them in her approach to business, Lucrisha doesn’t
Owner and director,
of AfriCrafters develop their crops and improve yields. believe it has held her back. “If anything, my respect
Once she’d completed her studies, she travelled for cultural differences has allowed me to create
s owner and director of AfriCrafters, abroad, landing an exciting position at a media stronger, better business relationships.”
Lucrisha Polton says her days are as varied company in Scotland. But South Africa was always Despite this, she feels strongly that women should
Aas fingerprints. “I do what whatever it takes home, and eventually Lucrisha returned and not shy away or hide their abilities when dealing
to get the job done.” Drawing on skills from finance started her first entrepreneurial venture, a bistro in with men. “It’s your expertise in your industry, and
to design, and from sourcing materials to tracking Cape Town. A second restaurant followed shortly, your confidence that will set you apart, not just as
down exceptional rural crafters, Lucrisha is a true but two years later she sold them, moved back a businesswoman but as a businessperson. And we
all-rounder. to KwaZulu-Natal, and took time out to be a wife are the nurturers, building a base on which future
and mum. generations of women will succeed. We should
Exposed to business from an early age, Lucrisha never lose sight of this, and the way we can inspire
travelled around South Africa with her family, as Bringing Africa to the world other women.”
her father’s work took him to small towns and rural She soon realised that it was time to follow her
villages across the country. “He always believed the passion for humanitarian causes and in 2017 she Taking Africa to the world
best education comes from personal experiences, founded AfriCrafters. “The seed for this had been Lucrisha is deeply grateful for her accomplishments.
and the travelling gave me a sense of freedom.” planted in my childhood. We link artists with the “It is my mission to take Africa to the world, and I’ve
global supply chain, giving our artists a foot in the achieved far more than I ever thought possible
Having seen the impact of apartheid on black
South Africans for herself, she was acutely aware of international market, and creating a sustainable in such a short time. I planted a seed and let the
the hardships they faced on a daily basis. She was living for them. Artists are so often exploited but I universe water it and nourish it. There’s still a lot to
also deeply inspired by the spirit, warmth and the believe they should earn an income equal to their do, and I’ll continue to live my mission and vision,
and I’m confident we’ll progress steadily, one goal
talent and creativity.”
talent of people she met on her trips. “Images of at a time.”
artists selling their work on the side of the road “Every step I’ve taken has led me to where I am
stayed with me for most of my life, and I hoped that today,” she says. Crediting her grandmother and Believing in work-life harmony rather than work-
one day I’d be able to play a role in showing them parents for instilling in her a sense of confidence life balance, Lucrisha explains that there is always
off to the world.” and tenacity, Lucrisha points out that AfriCrafters is an ebb and flow to obligations to family, business,
driven by her love for people and watching them friends and community. “And to myself.” she adds.
Even at school, Lucrisha realised she wanted to help develop. “I see inspiration everywhere, in people, “I set aside time for my family and friends just as I
people. “My desire to empower people grew, and animals, nature, my children and life itself. I love do for business, and I make sure I have me-time to
today I still look for opportunities to assist people, telling stories and couldn’t think of a better way do the things I love too. After all, one must nourish
and serve with no expectations. My motto is Pass than to do it than through arts and crafts. Each to flourish. Time-management is key to getting it
the favour on and this approach has created the artwork is unique and made from recycled material, right, and you have to know your limits.”
most incredible ripple effect.” and each piece tells a story.”
Asked what advice she’d give her younger self,
After school, Lucrisha’s journey took her through “Culture is a big factor in my industry,” she says. Lucrisha points out that we are taught to train our
various jobs and business ventures. She joined “My crafters come from a diversity of communities bodies and value our intellect, but we need to
her family’s business supplying fresh cut potato and I need to understand that a woman is treated learn to regulate our emotions and deal with our
fries and vegetables to fast food chains including differently in some cultures. I have to be mindful sensitivities and sensibilities. “Trust your intuition,
Nando’s and Spur. “I was a buyer, sales person and of this, particularly when dealing with men of a dream big, and create your reality. Choose love.
quality control,” she laughs. She also travelled with patriarchal culture.” While this is a significant factor Choose inner peace. Choose joy. Choose you!”
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