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In November, Julia became the project's second manager chosen (and the first woman), when she opened a new Jet store in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
"Being given a chance to start and run my own retail clothing store is an opportunity of a lifetime. I've always dreamt of being an entrepreneur, being my own boss – and through this joint venture I believe my dream has finally come true," she enthuses.
The 31-year-old started her career as a casual worker at a department store in Pretoria, and worked her way up.
She says her years of experience in the retail industry will help her to take up the new challenges that come with managing her own store. "Working in big brand retail stores has armed me with the necessary skills to excel in this business."
It's immediately apparent why this self-taught business genius was a favoured candidate for this project. As the store manager for Jet in Mamelodi, Julia managed to increase the annual turnover from R20 million to R36 million in 2005.
"I am a hard worker and the results speak for themselves. But now the real work begins. Edcon has given me the resources to start up a business – it's now up to me to continue with the good work and put my store on the map," she says.
"It's important that I look at the store and the brand from the customer's point of view, and that I am able to satisfy our market and have an outstanding turnover."
Julia's duties as the store manager and joint partner include managing the affairs of the company, training and motivating the staff and getting top quality products for her customers at reasonable prices.
"I want to maintain the good image of the Jet brand; but mist importantly, I need to get my community involved – I must know what they want to buy so that I will be able to deliver.
Through this, loyalty is built, and that determines the success of the business."
Would you like to nominate a Woman of the Week? Email her details to us at businessnetwork@w24.co.za.
