By Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

Entrepreneurship rocks! Well it does most of the time! I am not going to tell you this is the easiest journey, but it is truly rewarding! In my case starting out, I was one of those “go with the flow” people. I never had a plan of what I was going to be. I didn’t have it all planned and I was definitely not goal driven! Now, years later and after many learning trials, I can honestly say today that by the grace of God and my entrepreneurial journey, I am a different person. Better I would say!

While reading in bed the other day, my eyes fell on my beloved stiletto and court shoes that were neatly stacked under my clothing rail. It suddenly dawned on me that I couldn’t remember when last I had worn any of them! I almost felt emotional as I realized that I have chosen a path that meant I might not be able to wear them as often as I wanted. These days, my workwear consists of jeans, and overalls! My high heels represented a part of my history that I cherished, but also disliked. During that time I managed to accumulate valuable skills I can use today, but I hated the mundane routine that had become my lifestyle. I reminisced about earning a comfortable monthly salary, but was then quickly reminded of how restricted I felt when I was in full-time employment.

If you are considering becoming an entrepreneur, take a look at the reasons I decided to take the plunge!

I wasn’t happy in my job. There were no prospects for promotion either.

I felt bored. I wasn’t living my purpose and I wanted more out of life. I wanted to take more risks and be more fulfilled.

I started gossiping. Because of the politics at the office, I started to resent some of my colleagues and managers.

I was too busy to make a change. I wasn’t making a positive impact especially in my community because I was too busy at work.

I showed little personal growth. I just went with the flow.

I became a clock watcher. I did just the bare minimum, and I disliked who I had become.

Now here are the reasons why I love being an entrepreneur:

I can determine my own hours and schedule. I get to work with a great network of service providers, fellow entrepreneurs and amazing clients and supporters. I play a part in changing people’s lives through my business and our Non-Profit company that focuses on restoring people and families. I am able to create employment rather than being an employee. I am also able to express my creativity through my products and business. I play a part in managing and curbing the waste that would otherwise have gone to the landfill.

And most of all…I have grown tremendously on a personal level, as well as a spiritual level! I like who I have become now. I have had to become a planning focused, organised and resourceful person, because that is what my business requires.

Do I always get it right? No! But it feels really good to be able to make a positive impact through my business. How fortunate am I? I get to change people’s lives while doing my dream job!

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Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable furniture pieces made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self taught designer and started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. This led to her building and designing beautiful furniture items that she used in her home.