It wasn’t easy starting again. Nolwazi had to use the money she had left to buy new chicks to raise all over again, and she was losing customers as she struggled to fulfil their orders. But Sive, Ma Ruby, and the Majolas were there to support her, and it made a big difference having Sive to help manage everything. It gave her a reason to get up each morning. 

It took a while, but when her chickens were ready to sell and were laying again, she managed to get most of her customers back.

***

One evening she was just closing up after the last collection when Ma Ruby invited her in for dinner. Busi was there too, and Samke brought a new collection of weaves she wanted Ma Ruby and her friends to admire. 

“For that date with Bra Mike,” Samke winked, as she adjusted a wig on Ma Ruby, who she had already fitted out in a new dress. 

“In your dreams. No, this one will be for a special occasion. For that day I go to do shopping and come back with a Nolly’s chicken all wrapped and cut up and ready to fry,” said Ma Ruby. 

“Speaking of chicken, I’m starving,” Sive announced, coming in to join them. “It’s hard and hungry work harvesting.”

“Try cleaning out chicken coops,” laughed Nolwazi.

“Thank you, but no thank you,” Sive made a face, pinching her nose in mock disgust.

“And this is only the beginning,” Ma Ruby said. “People don’t really talk about the dirty side of business. Everyone wants the end product, but never the work.”

“Yep,” Samke said. “I tell all my mentees that.”

“Mentees?” Sive laughed. “Who are you mentoring?”

“You laugh, but what do you call all the advice and help I’ve given you to start your business? Heee, what do you call that?”

“I’m sorry,” Sive said, “I guess I didn’t think of that. But in all your awesomeness,” Sive said bowing to Samke, who flicked an eyelash in acknowledgement, “You don’t know the ins and outs of agriculture. I want a mentor who knows my kind of business and what it takes to make it.”

“You mean like what the Metropolitan Collective Shapers Program is doing in Polokwane,” Nolwazi said. “I read about it in one of your magazines.”

“Yes!” Sive clapped her hands. “They help farmers, like me, to get mentorship, skills development, and support in their business.”

“So you have mentorship, what are you crying about?” Samke asked, rolling her eyes.

“They are in Polokwane, who knows when the program will extend to these parts.” Sive collapsed on her chair.

“Girls, the important thing is that you have support from us, other people don’t. So they romanticise being in business,” Ma Ruby said, bringing focus back to the conversation. 

“A lot of people don’t. There’s so much that goes into building a business that people often overlook what they bring to the table. I’m your mentor, so whenever you’re around me, be prepared to learn.” There was more laughter as Samke said this. She was now walking up and down the room, arms flying about as she spoke.

“It’s just that…” Nolwazi blurted out, suddenly, bringing Samke to a stop. “There are days when I don’t know if I can go on. I wonder if I will ever be able to stop working shifts at the shebeen. I haven’t made a profit and I’ve been working for months…and TK…” her voice trailed off.

“What’s happened to TK?”  Busi asked quickly.

“He’s moved out. Ma wouldn’t let him back in the house after what happened. He called the other day. He said he’s made good with Masoja and that he’s coming right, and that he’ll make it up to us. He says his BIG PLAN will soon pay off. But you know TK.”

“You can’t give up. Not now…what about our office? And you said a big order came in today,” Sive tried to encourage her friend.

“I don’t know. I don’t think I’m cut out for this,” Nolwazi said. “Maybe when I was younger and I thought I could do it, I didn’t realise all the work that goes into it. I’m not equipped for if things go wrong again.” 

“Oh honey.” Samke went to sit next to her, shooing Sive out of her own seat. “Don’t say that, of course you’re equipped for it.”

“No, I’m not. I’m not educated in business. Just because I can count some money from the spaza and shebeen doesn’t make me a businesswoman.”

“And what makes a businesswoman?” Samke asked gently.

“I don’t know. Someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone qualified.”

“Oh Lwazi, your broken heart is talking nonsense. You are qualified, more than qualified. You’re amazing at numbers, they come naturally to you, and with people too. I’ve watched you with customers. People know they can count on you,” Samke encouraged her, gently. 

“What really makes a businesswoman is all that is inside of you.” Busi took her friend’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

There was nothing more Nolwazi could say; her friends gave a good pep talk. Nolwazi looked at Sive’s expectant face. She was invested in this as well now. What would it mean if Nolwazi just quit? 

They were sharing an office and had even talked about becoming business partners. Sive had built up her clients who bought her fresh veg and Nolwazi had a good lot of regulars now too. They could pool resources and their customers. 

“You need to make sure this works,” Ma Ruby said, when Nolwazi told her their idea to join forces. “Working together is key. You need to decide what your roles will be. Work out who is good at what and divide the tasks so you know where the gaps are. Get systems in place. Know your product inside out. You need to advertise to promote and grow. Also, always keep your books up to date.” She looked over at Nolwazi: “You won’t have a problem there, but make peace with getting rich quick. The reality is you won’t be able to pay yourselves until you have profits.”

“Listen carefully to that one,” Samke said. “I bankrupted myself the first time I started. As your mentor I’m telling you, learn from my mistakes.”

“We all remember how flashy you were, Samke. We kept telling you that you can’t overspend,” Nolwazi laughed, and Samke joined in.

“It’s funny now because it’s in the past, but I was deaf and dumb back then.”

“Most importantly, you need to be transparent and honest with each other. Communicate openly, all the time. Life will still happen, and your friendship will happen with it. But business brings on its own challenges, so you will have to speak up so you don’t blame each other.”

Nolwazi’s heart was still sore, but she knew she couldn’t give up now, not when everyone, except TK, was cheering her on to success. 

“If you want to quit, my friend, I understand. But if you want to try again, I’m in.”

Sive placed her hand on the table, open for Nolwazi. 

“Yeees. Come on, bring them in!” Samke put her hand on Sive’s. “Woza Ma Ruby, it’s just like in the movies. Come, are you in or are you out?”

“I’m in, but I’m not doing any foolishness from the movies.” 

“Fine, wa bora, but we’ll take it.” Samke smiled. “And you, Miss Accountant? In or out?”

After a long pause Nolwazi held the pile of hands firmly. “I’m in.”