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Thaila Botes, a South African entrepreneur creating a hub for surf skate enthusiasts

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Thaila Botes, founder, Danuz and Charger X (South Africa)

Startup Story

Thaila Botes is the vibrant force behind Danuz and Charger X, a hub for surf skate enthusiasts in South Africa. As a devoted mom, fitness enthusiast, and lover of summer, family, and Jesus, Thaila brings boundless energy to both her family life and her entrepreneurial venture. Discover a journey where fitness, family, and faith intertwine, creating a life uniquely driven by passion and purpose. Welcome to Thaila's world, where each day is a celebration of health, happiness, and the sunny spirit of summer.


LoA spoke to the passion driven Thaila Botes about her unique business, her ambitions for the future of surf skating in South Africa and the continent as a whole, and the next phase of her entrepreneurial journey.

What does your company do?

Our journey began with surf skate imports, and over time, we've expanded our horizons. Recently, following a visit to the USA and leveraging the AGOA agreement, we've explored sourcing South African products for distribution in the US. Despite heightened interest in South African manufacturing due to the AGOA agreement, a concerning trend emerges. Local suppliers, facing capacity challenges, struggle to meet demand. This predicament is particularly unsettling given the prevailing low economic indicators. As we navigate these challenges, Charger X remains committed to unlocking global opportunities and contributing to the resilience of South African businesses in the international market.

“Our boards aren't just products; they're crafted symphonies of love for surfing, meticulous design, and a commitment to excellence.”

“Charger X isn't just a brand; it's an experience — a testament to the marriage of quality, innovation, and the thrill of conquering waves.”

What inspired you to start your company?

The inspiration to start Charger X was a seed planted by witnessing incredible entrepreneurs who seemed to craft their destinies. I envisioned that level of control and decided to take a proactive step by obtaining an import-export license long before any tangible action. This period of incubation lasted about six years, during which I immersed myself in studies, accumulated resources, and gained valuable experience. At 23, Charger X started as a side hustle, initially importing surf skates. The venture took a fortuitous turn during the COVID era when the surf skate trend surged. This marked the beginning of diversifying our product range, propelling Charger X into a dynamic and evolving entrepreneurial journey.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

What sets Charger X apart? It's the fusion of passion and precision. Our boards aren't just products; they're crafted symphonies of love for surfing, meticulous design, and a commitment to excellence. Charger X isn't just a brand; it's an experience — a testament to the marriage of quality, innovation, and the thrill of conquering waves.

Tell us a little about your team:

Did you read my bio, hehe? We are a team of 1 at the moment.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

Yes, entrepreneurship runs in my veins. I inherited the spirit from my father, a seasoned entrepreneur who embarked on his own business venture when I was around 17. Despite initially venturing into the IT realm, the entrepreneurial flame was always alive within me. The turning point came with the arrival of my daughter. The desire to have control over my time, especially during those crucial early years of motherhood, became my driving force. The dream of creating a business that not only aligned with my passion but also allowed the flexibility to be present for my daughter fueled my journey into entrepreneurship. It's been a remarkable evolution, marked by challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to building something meaningful.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

Our current focus revolves around the exciting launch of our website, [www.skatechargerx.com](https://www.skatechargerx.com/), a hub for surf and skate enthusiasts. Looking ahead, our vision extends far beyond borders, aiming to establish a robust supply chain across African markets with South Africa as the epicenter, reaching as far as Nairobi.

In addition to this, we're actively engaged in manufacturing some of our decks locally in South Africa. To propel this initiative forward and foster broader sports goods manufacturing, especially in KwaZulu Natal, we're actively seeking funding. Our aspiration is to not only contribute to the vibrant skate culture but also to empower local communities through sustainable, quality manufacturing. The journey is exhilarating, and we're committed to turning these aspirations into tangible achievements.

“Our aspiration is to not only contribute to the vibrant skate culture but also to empower local communities through sustainable, quality manufacturing.”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

For me, the ultimate satisfaction as an entrepreneur lies in those unexpected moments of connection. It's that feeling when I stroll down the road and spot someone genuinely enjoying something I've poured my heart into – our product. One profound instance is during my husband's triathlon, where, amidst the cheering crowd, I witness a surfer tearing up the pavement on one of our skateboards. That pride is unparalleled. Yet, the most touching moments are when our products reach unexpected places. Receiving a video from a girl in a remote African village, skating with sheer joy, is a testament to the power of our supply chain. We're not just delivering products; we're connecting with people where there wasn't a connection before. And that, to me, is the essence of entrepreneurial satisfaction.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

My biggest piece of advice is to be vigilant about cash flow. It's the lifeblood of your business, dictating the pace and possibilities.

Imagine your startup journey as a game of chess. Your moves must be calculated, considering not only the immediate step but also foreseeing several steps ahead. Similarly, in business, always be aware of the financial landscape. Anticipate the repercussions of each decision on your cash flow and envisage the financial terrain your business will traverse.

Playing chess also means understanding the moves of others. In the business world, this translates to knowing your competitors, suppliers, and market trends. Stay vigilant, adapt to changes, and always have contingency plans in place.

Remember, in the game of entrepreneurship, resilience is your queen, strategy is your bishop, and foresight is your rook. As you make your moves, keep the cash flow chessboard in focus, ensuring each decision aligns with your long-term vision. With strategic thinking and financial acumen, you'll navigate the business landscape with grace and precision.

Contact or follow Danuz and Charger X:

Email: thaila@danuzsa.com

Website: http://skatechargerx.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chargerxsurfskates

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charger_x/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf0UQWVTwOQarzj9E7h8pCw


Why LoA loves it…

As so many successful women entrepreneurs will tell you, success comes more naturally when turning passion into a business. In the case of Thaila Botes, her passion for surf skating and her great eye for the opportunity to build a proudly South African surf skate business and brand, is what drives her entrepreneurial journey. Her passion for both the sport of surf skating and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the surf skate culture in Africa is what will take her business to the next level over the coming years. Definitely a brand and a sport to watch! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa

In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing, Sportspreneur
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