Durban – From starting her own business at 15, Christill Cave has become an award-winning community influencer and media specialist.
The 29-year-old is the founder of the Uncommon Group, a public relations company and the Uncommon Group foundation, which was created to empower and uplift women and the youth.
“As a young woman who endured the highs and lows of business I’m grateful to be part of a small percentage that is bringing transformation through the digital age and working with young people to create a better Africa.
“Uncommon Foundation was originally named Youth In Action Africa but as I grew and I got to understand where and how I’d like to impact I decided to change the name,” she said.
Cave was born in Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and raised by her grandparents and mother.
She started her own business at the age of 15 while she was part of a mini enterprise programme by Junior Achievements South Africa.
“I have worked with many organisations through development programmes for disadvantaged students using my skills in the creative space and through my foundation I have seen young people being transformed.”
She said women should be given more opportunities to take on leadership roles.
“I have worked in a corporate environment before and I have seen how some women are not given the opportunities to climb the ladder of success.”
In 2010 she won the Esther Women Business Awards: best community influencer and best sales person award.
She added that she had grown and achieved so much due to her faith in God.
“He’s the executive producer in my life and business. I don’t think I would have grown and achieved so much without God in my life.”
She says businesswoman Carol Bouwer has always been someone she has looked up to.
“She’s a huge inspiration to me.”