Welcome to the first episode of The Inspiration Station! A space for real-life small business owners to share their story and to inspire others to build their brands. Think of this as a podcast in blog form. A space for entrepreneurs to hear from those who are running the brand, and life, of their dreams.
It’s real. It’s honest. And, it’s here to inspire you to keep moving forward on your journey. It’s here to give you a sense of belonging and to know that, wherever you are on your path, you’re heading in the right direction.
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Enjoy!
K
A bit of background – The Inspiration Station
What’s your 30-second elevator pitch or introduction?
I am Nosipho and I am the founder of Fuchsia Spaces. Fuchsia Spaces is a boutique interior design studio, offering bespoke interior design services for residential spaces in the Johannesburg area. I strive to create well- balanced, functional, yet tasteful spaces with a true wow factor and I collaborate with my clients to create homes that they absolutely love and enjoy living in!
How long have you been in your industry and running your own business?
I have a background in Internal Auditing and have been working as an Internal Auditor for the past 12 years. After discovering my passion for beautiful and carefully designed spaces, back in 2017, I enrolled for a Diploma of Interior Design course with the Interior Design Institute, South Africa and launched Fuchsia Spaces in July 2022 on completion of my studies. So, I am still a newbie in the industry, trying to build a name for myself!
What made you decide on this business?
I just love how interior design can help uplift people’s spirits and moods and how it can also drastically improve people’s quality of life – just by making the spaces that people live in functional and aesthetically pleasing. I love to see how happy my clients are once their spaces have been transformed, it is truly a fulfilling experience, and I am here for it!
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
My love for helping people realize the true potential of their homes has been my main inspiration for starting Fuchsia Spaces!
What would be your top piece of advice to someone wanting to start their own business?
JUST GO FOR IT!! Do not let the ”imposter syndrome” hold you back – I think this can be a major obstacle to JUST getting started (I have been there myself) – second guessing oneself and feelings of anxiety can take a toll on progress. Do not let anyone, not even yourself stand in the way of success!!!
Some real life questions – The Inspiration Station
What, for you, is the most rewarding thing about running your own business?
Helping people realize the full potential of their homes has to be the most rewarding part of running my business. It is so rewarding to see the finished product and know that you helped make someone’s dream a reality.
Have you had any major struggles in your journey that you’ve needed to overcome?
The one that stands out for me as a new small business owner is the imposter syndrome that I have spoken about earlier! I would sometimes look at all those established interior designers and compare myself to them and I would immediately start feeling like I could never make it in this industry, I will never get there – BUT I have since switched that mentality and I realize that they too had to start somewhere, they did not just become POWERHOUSES overnight and that it must have taken some hard work, blood, sweat and tears for them too – I now instead look up to them as inspiration and tell myself that with time and the necessary commitment from my side, I will also get there!
If so, how do you feel about those struggles today? Were they worth it?
Absolutely was and it still is worth it – because I realize that these struggles are the ones that will shape me to the world class interior designer that I aspire to be!
Did you have much support in your decision to start your own business? Or any resistance from those around you?
I have been SOOOO blessed to have a supporting husband, who is my number one cheerleader! He has encouraged and supported me from way back when I was studying till today!!! My parents and sister have also been supportive of me starting my business and are cheering me on! I have not experienced any resistance from anyone around me as yet, well not any that I know of.
Can you tell us about any personal growth moments you’ve had? Things about yourself that needed to evolve to run your business properly?
I am a naturally conservative and reserved person, and this industry requires me to step out of this zone and to put myself out there, to talk to people about myself and my business. It has not been easy for me, but I can say, I am feeling more confident now than what I was a couple of months back when I initially started. I have not been able to do this on my own – it has taken some mentorship and attending some business webinars and I think I am well on my way there – my confidence levels are definitely up!!!
When you started out what was your big dream goal? Have you accomplished that goal, still working towards it, or has it shifted into something else?
I would say my biggest dream has been to see myself established as an interior designer – when someone wants to transform their home they must think Fuchsia Spaces – so it is still a big goal of mine to become the go-to interior designer.
How do you feel about pricing your goods or services?
As a new interior designer in the industry – I have to be honest, I do feel slightly awkward and concerned about over pricing myself – BUT I have decided to shift the mindset and remind myself that what I am really selling to my clients is a LIFESTYLE! So going forward, this should not be a problem.
If a package arrived on your doorstep with R1 000 000 in it today, no strings attached. What would you spend it on?
a) A holiday and shopping in Paris
b) Invest the rest of it into my business!
What crazy, “feels a bit far-fetched” dream do you have in relation to your business?
It may seem a bit far-fetched right now – But I definitely believe that it is attainable: ” I will be one of the speakers at Decorex Olympia London!!” Hahaaa…
If you could go back in time, what one lesson would you share with yourself when starting on this journey?
Just trust the process!!!
Fun Stuff – The Inspiration Station
What’s your word for 2023?
CONFIDENCE!
If you could live and work from anywhere, where would that be?
No place better than home – I absolutely love South Africa (notwithstanding all our current challenges)!
Which famous person would you love to have coffee with and why?
This may sound cliché I know – but it has to be Oprah Winfrey. She is an inspiration of strength and perseverance and an excellent example of what it means to do anything that you
can dream of!! She is not ashamed of her journey, and I find that truly inspiring!
Beach or bushveld?
Beach
Summer or winter?
Summer
Wine gums or chocolate?
CHOCOLAAAAATE!
Yoga or Netflix?
Yoga
All-time favourite song.
Stand By Me – Ben E King
Where can you find me?
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuchsia_spaces/
– Website: www.fuchsiaspaces.co.za
Thank you for joining me here on The Inspiration Station. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Nosipho a little and that her story inspires you to live your dream life!
If you or anyone you know would like to be featured on The Inspiration Station please fill in my contact form here.
