Londiwe Ndwandwe Ngcobo is the creative director of Andimahle Building Events.
She chats to us about her business journey and how she's been able to carve her own path to success.
Tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship?
I studied marketing and events management but was more passionate about events, which has been of great value to the positioning of Andimahle Building Events. After graduating, I travelled before settling on a career path. I studied in the UK, where I stayed for four years, while working two jobs as a receptionist and at a nursing home.
On returning to South Africa in 2007, I worked in government as an admin clerk for a year to build my resume and have an understanding of the workspace here at home. During the 2010 World Cup, I set up my first business in construction and later ventured into events planning and management.
Why did you choose to be an entrepreneur?
I come from a family of successful entrepreneurs. My grandfather was my main inspiration. His success inspired me to one day expand on his business acumen and be a force in my own space. In high school, I strategically chose subjects geared towards business, accounting and marketing.
What got you to the top?
I’m a firm believer in small beginnings. I apply my faith in everything I set my mind to. [During Covid-19], I couldn’t sit by and lay off my employees. Setting up LM Floral, my newest business venture, [was] exciting. It has also challenged me to be more creative.
What challenges have you met?
Late payments are always a challenge and, at times, limit growth. From early on in the business, I wanted to have my own infrastructure so I wouldn’t be forced to hire from others, as it meant seeking equipment from your competitors. I’m a perfectionist, so these challenges irritated me as they compromised my work quality. Today, I proudly own my infrastructure.
What’s the biggest misconception about your line of business?
People think events are glamorous. But planning and execution involves a lot of hard work. You have to get your hands dirty and feet wet. You also need the skill to engage clients with big expectations and limited budgets.
What’s your get-up-and-go song?
Ntokozo Mbambo’s We Pray For More.
What’s your long term vision for Andimahle Building Events?
To expand and challenge myself within my industry by gaining an internship with globally-acclaimed event curators based in Los Angeles. The aim is to never to stop being an eternal student of my craft.
