A queen setting her mind on creating a lasting legacy — that is Lorraine Dilata-Zingelwa, who has pooled all her interests to create the Legacy Queen brand.
A passion for beauty, baking, financial literacy and development has made Dilata-Zingelwa a force to be reckoned with.
The 39-year-old business owner believes you can achieve anything you dream of with dedication and hard work as your anchors.
Please share some background on yourself and how the business was started?
I was born in the former Transkei in Ngqeleni.
I was raised by my father in Johannesburg, but later moved to Gqeberha.
Legacy Queen was started in 2014.
The business began by chance as I never thought I would be a business owner one day and be so passionate about what I do.
My interest in business grew as I got older and today I am the proud owner of this growing business.
What is your core service?
Legacy Queen had four entities — a teenagers’ academy, a mobile nail bar, a burial scheme and a bakery.
We ensure always to deliver in whatever is promised in the different spheres under the Legacy Queen brand.
What makes your business unique?
My business model is unique in the form that I developed the brand — I’m not focusing on one industry.
Whatever gap we see in the market, we use as an opportunity to grow our brand further.
The mobile nail artists, and the bakery, are profit-generating businesses.
The burial scheme and academy are structured to assist in underprivileged communities.
If someone wanted to copy your business model, how would they start?
I believe that the dream or vision is best known by the dreamer.
My business model needs someone with a clear vision of what they want, because people have opinions they like imposing on others as facts; if you are not strong in your vision you can easily lose focus.
A person must start by knowing exactly his or her action plan, being disciplined, willing to sacrifice and observant.
Then everything else with fall into place.
What are some of the biggest inhibitors your business faced before getting off the ground?
Funding — when I started Legacy Queen I had to make a lot of financial sacrifices from the salary I was receiving at that time.
Do you have any tips for budding entrepreneurs or new business owners?
Never give up on what you believe in — no-one knows your dream better than you.
Be your own cheerleader and never wait for someone else’s approval.
Deal with the speed bumps as they come and always be determined to move on from any setbacks.
Don’t overthink things, because that hinders action.
What are some of your biggest challenges in day-to-day operations and particularly in your industry?
There is a lot of competition — especially in the nail and baking businesses.
This forces us always to provide an excellent service.
What is the best advice anyone gave you on success?
Everything big started small, so start with what you have. Do not be scared to dream big.
How do you measure or define success in your business?
By the exciting feeling of satisfaction when service delivery is properly implemented and the client is happy.
What are some of the best practices that have made your business successful?
Being honest and true to my clients; time management; commitment and passion.
What kind of advertising do you do?
Word of mouth mostly works for me, accompanied by social media, WhatsApp and Facebook.
What is your company’s vision?
To have a legacy that will change people’s lives.
What is your target market?
Due to the diversity of the Legacy Queen brand, each section has its own distinct target market.
As long as you have a burial, baking, nail art and development need, Legacy Queen is your go-to brand!
What have some of your highlights been in running your business?
Launching the academy has been the highlight in my journey, as well as the response I get from people who believe in my vision and capabilities.
How important is social media and an online presence for your business?
We live in times of technology, where everyone is glued to social media, therefore it is important as it attracts more traffic for my business.
It also allows immediate interaction and customer feedback.
How many people do you employ?
I have six employees.
Do you have any plans to expand the business?
We are working on having more branches of the academy.
How did you acquire funding for the business?
My business is self-funded.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your business journey so far?
As scary as it looks, it is possible.
What have been the challenges and advantages of running your business in a city like Gqeberha?
Every business has its own challenges in any city you might run it in, therefore I choose to focus on the positives.
Gqeberha welcomed me and offered an advantage of being surrounded by people who know me well and believes in me; they help spread the word.
What do you say are the three key traits of a successful entrepreneur?
Adaptability, persistence and hard work.
What are the traits of a successful employer?
Leadership skills, communication skills and listening skills.
What do you wish people knew about your industry?
That it is versatile and demanding, but pleases the heart once properly done.
It needs one to be willing and passionate.
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