Women in business are seldomly celebrated, indeed much more needs to be done to showcase the amazing accomplishments some of our sisters are achieving in business and the world in general.
I am tempted to term this modern feminism with a twist. Indeed, the modern feminists are dressed differently, in our day-as mothers, artists, CEOs. Venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, doctors, attorneys, designers, police officers, you name it. As a matter of fact, you may not even realise they are feminists. Many of the feminists I know don’t even refer to themselves as feminists.

Report Focus News had the opportunity to speak to Thembi Tshuma a Zimbabwean born shrewd businesswoman who is the CEO of UK based healthcare provision company Promises of Care.
It is apparent that the new feminists aren’t parading the streets with signs or charred bras; perhaps because they are too busy building their careers or raising their children to do that. However, it doesn’t change the narrative. Women such as Thembi Tshuma are the new era of feminism and are still present like an ongoing breeze or a soft whisper. They might not be heard, but they are definitely present and making meaningful contributions not only to the national economy but society as a whole.
In seven questions Report Focus News gets into Thembi’s world

Tell us about your business (what product or service you provide and who your target audience is)

I am in the healthcare provision business. My company was established in 2014. Promises of Care is healthcare provision company that provides services such as Home or Domiciliary Care, Live in Care, Supported Living, Short Breaks and Staff Supply covering large parts of the United Kingdom. We are a growing company with two offices thus far, one in Wolverhampton and another in Stoke on Trent. We envision a care revolution, where Promises of Care will take the lead in provision of quality service in social care with personalised care tailored for each of our customers.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

To me being a business owner means working twice as hard as being an employee.  I have been an employee as a Registered manager for a care company in the past. During that time, I recognised that there was a need and there will always be a need in social care to provide high quality and dignified care for clients be it in homes or wherever they are. With my skills set and expertise, I felt that I had to make a life changing decision, either remain in my comfort zone working for someone, or step out of that comfort zone and awake myself to a world where I would work twice as hard and build up my own business from scratch?  It was then that Promises of Care was born. It has been a bumpy ride, but I am not a quitter, I have pressing on, persevered through the adversities of setting up a new business, the teething issues that come with it all and now I am here, still standing and making boss moves one step at a time inching towards my empire. There’s still ways to go but there is more to come from me I am not done.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

I have been personally influenced by a lot of people and business wise one of my greatest inspirations must be Oprah Winfrey. I draw a lot of inspiration from Oprah for many reasons not least amongst them is that she is an influential personality. Her story is motivational I mean she started from nothing and built one of the greatest firms. Secondly, she is a giver, her charity work and compassion for others is praiseworthy. In as much as no one can solve the whole world’s problems, I would like to do my part to help make this planet a better place even for just a handful, it is a goal worth pursuing. I want to be able to look back at my journey on this earth and say “Yes! I have made a positive impact in my community and to those in need”

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I can honestly put my hand on heart and say my greatest professional accomplishment thus far has been setting up and running my own healthcare provision business in a foreign land. I came into the UK worked as a registered manager of a care company and transitioned from that to owning my own company, that on its own is the greatest achievement. Its not easy to Run a successful business as a single mother especially here in United Kingdom. I am currently doing an MBA in Healthcare Management and that will also be an additional accomplishment, my story is still ongoing many more chapters are yet to be written so I know greater success and accomplishments are still to come.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

To be a successful business owner, first have confidence in both yourself and your business. And always press on despite setbacks and difficult situations that may arise. Do not easily be discouraged when you make mistakes or fail, learn from your mistakes, and build on them.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Networking has been one of the most effective initiatives of promoting my business, for me it’s more about building relationships than just money in my business account. Ultimately that is where I finally see the return on investment.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

Being actively involved in all aspects of the business or being aware of what is happening in the business. And having business systems in place that offers me the ability to respond faster than my competitors. Networking and surrounding yourself with people who have the same mindset as you.