CT sisters win with innovative thinking

21 september 2014 IF needed for my bisz piece, below are images of Cape Town-based entrepreneurial sisters Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan of Oh-lief Natural Products who clinched the R1 million grand prize on the final episode of the Think Big - Building Business Champions TV series.

21 september 2014 IF needed for my bisz piece, below are images of Cape Town-based entrepreneurial sisters Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan of Oh-lief Natural Products who clinched the R1 million grand prize on the final episode of the Think Big - Building Business Champions TV series.

Published Sep 22, 2014

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CAPE Town-based sisters Christine Buchanan and Louiza Rademan have clinched a R1 million prize for their organic baby and adult balm products, on the final episode of a entrepreneur-focused reality TV series.

The sisters, who are co-owners of the Oh-lief brand of natural and organic body and baby care products, were the winners of the Think Big – Building Business Champions TV series.

And rather than blow the money on pampering themselves, they intend pumping it back into the business.

Twelve entrepreneurs drawn from hundreds of SMEs (small and medium enterprises), operating in different sectors of the economy, competed in the Standard Bank and SABC3 reality series over 10 weeks.

Ravi Govender, head of Small Enterprises at Standard Bank said the sisters’ Oh-lief story was inspirational.

“These two dedicated women, who translated their love of pure, organic products into handmade balms and lotions for babies and adults, are worthy winners of the Think Big 2014 series. This was demonstrated through expansive and innovative thinking to take their business to the next level.”

Govender said the show concentrated on the broader SME sector, with the objective of identifying, uplifting and growing SMEs that had already shown that they had what it took to build successful enterprises.

He said that traditionally programmes for SMEs had concentrated on the “how to” aspect of starting up a new business, as well as the risks and trials involved.

“This series differed in that it attracted entrepreneurs who had already achieved some success but needed a ‘boost’ to grow their businesses. Adding more value to the programme was the participation of presenters and a board of directors comprised of reputable, experienced businesspeople. We watched how they assessed and guided all the businesses featured.”

Govender added that existing and aspiring SME owners across South Africa had the opportunity to tune in and tap into hundreds of hours of expert business advice.

At the half-way point in the competition six of the contestants were given R100 000 to take immediate steps to improve their businesses. The use of these funds was monitored by the board who took this into account when deciding on the grand prize winner.

After an exhaustive process, including presentation to the board, reporting on the investments of their R100 000, and pitting themselves against other worthy entrepreneurs, it was the sisters who impressed with their passion and determination to grow their brand into an international phenomenon.

The R1m prize will enable the sisters to broaden their customer base and increase their production capabilities.

They told the Cape Argus they would use the prize money to reinforce the quality of their product by getting it registered and certified by international bodies, as South Africa does not have a recognised certification authority.

“We want Oh-lief to be the leading certified natural and organic brand in every house, not just in South Africa but also internationally. We also believe in supporting other SMEs in South Africa – most of our local suppliers fall into this space,” they said.

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