Ms. Anitah Jacob

When was your business established or registered

2001 as business name, then ceased to PTY LTD in 2008

What is your business sector or industry

Textile, Manufacturing

Where are you situated

I am relocating to a new site, from Tonota to Pilane in January 2014.

What motivated and inspired you to start your business

My mother was a good designer, she was my role model.

Tell us about your business

We specialise in protective clothing, uniforms, corporate wear and sportswear.

What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?

I was first assisted by FAP, I was fulltime teaching the same business by then, (dressmaking cutting and designing) and doing my business part-time.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?

Being mentored and trained by LEA (Local Enterprise Authority) and intervention of WED (Women Entrepreneurship Development) program under WIBA (Women in Business Association) and CDE (Centre for the Development of Enterprise).

what have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?

Economic recession, customer segmentation, rentals, social and cultural risks.

How did you overcome these challenges?

By strongly analysing market, and decide to relocate to a better place.

What do you love about running your own business?

Decision making, managing other people, and creating designs according to customers’ needs.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

They should be strong enough, to face business challenges and have passion in business.

How do you keep motivated through difficult times?

As a strong woman and a Christian, I believe in God, I normally believe that difficult times lead into good times. It’s a wakeup call that tells me to check my mistakes. Sometime challenges can be turned into opportunities.