Inside Africa explores South Africa's Creative Entrepreneurship

CNN International's latest edition of Inside Africa delves into the realm of creativity and entrepreneurship in South Africa, shedding light on the experiences and journeys of prominent figures such as Kirsten Goss, a renowned jewellery designer, and Crystal Birch, a talented milliner. The program explores the challenges faced by women in the business world and highlights their remarkable contributions to South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape.

Kirsten Goss, a trailblazer in the jewellery industry, has not only crafted exquisite designs but also played a pivotal role in empowering women in business and fostering creativity. Over two decades ago, Goss established one of the country's first significant women-owned jewellery companies, setting a new precedent. Reflecting on her early career, Goss emphasized the importance of practical experience, stating, "If you don't have the business part of a career change under control, what you're actually doing is practically immaterial." Her passion for jewellery and dedication to excellence have propelled her company to great success.

Crystal Birch, a milliner, takes pride in witnessing others donning her unique creations. She cherishes the encounters when she spots someone wearing her hat, and they acknowledge her work with gratitude. Since taking over her mentor's factory, Birch has become a guardian of South Africa's fading millinery heritage. Her predominantly female staff embarked on an inspiring journey, starting from scratch. In her latest trans-seasonal collection, Birch aims to elucidate the rationale behind each hat's creation and intended use, firmly establishing her brand in the market.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa hosts the thought-provoking exhibition "When We See Us," which explores the complexities of the Black experience by blending artworks from different eras. Entrepreneur Zahira Asmal, who grew up during the apartheid era, resonates deeply with this exhibition. Asmal actively collaborates with government agencies to preserve the cultural distinctiveness of Bo-Kaap, a district undergoing gentrification. Bo-Kaap, historically known as the Malay Quarter, served as a home for Asian and African slaves in the 18th century. Asmal's endeavors in Cape Town exemplify her commitment to inclusivity and integration within South African towns.

In 2020, Asmal founded "Cultivate," a wine company that seeks to empower all participants in the South African Black Wine sector, from growers to sommeliers. Through her work in urban areas, Asmal discovered the rich history of Black people involved in winemaking for over three centuries, albeit overshadowed in the narrative. Cultivate aims to rectify this by providing opportunities and representation for Black individuals. Lennox Nyengera, a sommelier, acknowledges Cultivate as a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to uplifting Black people in the wine industry.

Roushanna Grey, a wild food forager, found the basis for a prosperous venture at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean in South Africa's southwestern region. In 2017, she established Veld and Sea to share her passion for the edible landscape. The company offers immersive educational courses that allow participants to gather and prepare local foods while connecting with nature. Grey takes pride in the growth of Veld and Sea, now boasting a team of ten full-time employees. She reminisces about the initial skepticism surrounding her business model, emphasizing the shifting attitudes towards outdoor activities focused on nutrition, food, health, and wellness, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

As the feature draws to a close, Grey imparts valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that success is attained when passion aligns with purpose. Discovering one's true happiness and pursuing it diligently, she believes, is the key to unlocking the path to success in business and in life.