Lwazi Hlope from BrushImages Photography is a Raizcorp CED beneficiary who is nearing the end of his first year on the programme.  We caught up with Lwazi to find out what the experience has been like for him and to find out more about the journey which led to his ending up at Raizcorp.

I grew up in the East Rand.  I was an only child and I had an easy childhood.  I went to Athlone Boys High in 1995.  I dreamt of becoming a professional soccer player and was made captain of my school’s soccer team.  During my high school years, I also discovered art.  I matriculated in 1999 and went on to study Interior Design.  During my 2^nd year of study I discovered photography and decided to give up interior design in favour of this new passion.  It was during this time that I heard about a photography scholarship being offered on YFM.  I entered the competition for the scholarship and was astounded when I actually won.  While I was busy with the photography course, YMag did an article on me and showcased some of my work.  Two years later the same magazine called and offered me the position of chief photographer.  Of course, I said yes.  I was with them for 2 years.

The work started to become very repetitive.  Also, it is a young brand aimed at the youth and I felt as though I was starting to outgrow the brand.  I ventured out on my own and, after struggling for a year, was lucky enough to discover Raizcorp.

It was all about chasing a dream.  I wanted to be creative in ways that, I felt, would be restricted if I was in permanent employment.  I wanted more freedom to create.

Not having enough knowledge and realising that the support which I thought I would have, through contacts which I had, was actually not there.  It was very difficult when I realised that I was truly on my own.  It was a very humbling experience.  Also, business basics were somewhat foreign to me.  Not knowing how to approach sales, etc. made it very difficult.

A friend of my wife’s told her about it.  My wife and I discussed it and, after all the frustration that I was experiencing, I decided that I had nothing to lose by giving the programme a go.

I came here thinking that Raizcorp was going to be a quick fix.  However, that was just wishful thinking on my part.  Raizcorp ended up providing me with the guidance needed in order to address my problems and also giving me the knowledge and understanding to fix these problems myself.

I learnt to let go of what does not work and I learnt how to apply new information.  I love the support which you get.  It’s ongoing and I no longer feel alone.  I learn something new every time I am at Raizcorp; not just in class, but also from the other entrepreneurs whom I have met at Raizcorp. 

A highlight for me during this first year was definitely winning a Raizcorp Award for Outstanding Growth in Personal and Business Development.  This was confirmation to me that I am heading in the right direction.  I recently employed someone for the first time and I have finally started paying myself for the first time, and that was a great feeling.

I have realised that I am blessed.  I decided to study photography, and the bursary happened.  From there, the opportunity to work for the magazine came up.  I then decided to go it alone and, after a brief struggle, I discovered Raizcorp.  I would definitely like to thank everyone who helped me to get to where I am.  I find it amazing that there are so many people out there who really just want to see me succeed.  It is humbling and it makes me realise that the world is essentially a good place!