BergBruidjie - Minki

Minkie is creative, passionate, original and fun.  And she is the owner of Bergbruidjie.

INTRODUCTION
My name is Minki, most of my friends call me Miena. I’m the owner of Bergbruidjie, a passionate company in the Wedding industry in the Winelands of Stellenbosch.

I  am a creative, energetic and a positive person who loves to generate a climate of enthusiasm and high morale. I always strive to make a difference and add value to those around me, wherever I go. I am a Philanthropist, always making an effort to increase the well-being of mankind. I believe in a philosophy of pay it forward. Never to leave any stone unturned.   I am curious. About everything. I love my country and I am proudly South African. I am passionate about social media and weddings and enjoy every moment of networking with people.  I believe that stories are one of the most important things in life and therefore I’m collecting new stories every day. I take a lot of pride in my work and I’m crazy about organizing, creative and pretty things and to multi task.
 THE IDEA 
 I was always jealous (in a good way though !) of creative people who did their own thing. I‘ve always had lots and lots of ideas…but was too scared to take the jump to do my own thing. To start Bergbruidjie was a whole process…in the end God announced the perfect season for her to blossom!! It started when I organised the wedding of two friends. I’m very grateful for this privilege to do my own thing now. I guess the flexibility of deciding what I want to do with my own time was a big added benefit!
PREPERATION/SKILLS LEARNED  
I worked in Marketing for 7 years. So I had those skills. I did an Online Marketing Course at UCT because I’m very interested in this new way of Marketing. The financial side of starting your own business is the most important for me. Make sure you can survive a few months without earning a salary and make sure that you have someone who can help you keep track of all the finances.
 LAUNCHED 
Part time in August 2011 and Full time July 2012.
START-UP COSTS 
Difficult to say. You have to have a decent website,  I had to buy a laptop and design programmes that was also a big expense. Business cards, advertising cost. I will say about R20, 000 – R30, 000 and a bit in the bank to survive. What worked perfectly for me was that I could do this over a period of say 18 months, and not at once…
PRODUCTS/SERVICES  
Flowers and décor, Coordination, gifts, stationery – Bergbruidjie is your one stop Bridal Portal in the Winelands…. BIG Launch End of August (hopefully) of an Online Bridal Shop with a whole range of pretty stuff for Brides!
BIGGEST CHALLENGE
To try to stick to business hours! At the moment I’m working 24/7! At least I know that it is for me and I enjoy what I do. Another big challenge is not to stress too much about the finances. Your hard work will pay off! 
 BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN
Give exceptional SERVICE!! Invest money back into your business. Work Hard!!
THE 1 PRODUCT/SERVICE/TOOL/APPLICATION THAT YOU CANNOT LIVE    WITHOUT/THAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS SO MUCH EASIER? 
Online Marketing (Facebook / Twitter)
YOUR BEST TIPS LEARNED 
Make a list of everything that needs to be done and tick off as you finish it. MULTITASKING!!
YOUR HIGH POINT SO FAR:
 When I got all my designs for my Online Shop. The day I resigned at my full time job!!
AND YOUR LOW POINT?
To realize that Rome was not build in a day! I would like things to go quicker…and I only have 2 hands! But everything will fall into place and business will grow. Just stay humble, positive and work hard. 
LOCATION 
Anywhere in the Winelands, Boland area – West Coast of South Africa. And obviously my online shop will be Nationwide. 
CONTACT DETAILS
Minki Fourie
 Cell: 0824640561
www.bergbruidjie.co.za
 http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/Bergbruidjie
Twitter: @Bergbruidjie

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