“Governments and big corporations don’t create jobs – entrepreneurs do,” said Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, speaking at a recent event hosted by the Entrepreneurs’ Network (EN) in collaboration with his company.
His sentiments are endorsed by Courtney Blandin de Chalain, COO of Lelive, who says, “Entrepreneurship is crucial to solving some of the big problems we face in our country.”
Levitt emphasised the power of entrepreneurship in shaping South Africa’s future and praised EN for its role in nurturing entrepreneurs. “Our mission at Inospace goes beyond leasing workspaces,” he said. “We create environments where entrepreneurs can thrive.” Mirroring his sentiments, Chief Marketing & Product Officer at Inospace, Jodi Sher, explained that: “Our partnership with EN is rooted in a shared belief – that entrepreneurs don’t just matter, they’re essential. They’re the engine of innovation, job creation, and economic renewal. That’s why this partnership isn’t just strategic, it’s deeply personal for us.”
Nurturing Local Talent
The EN event, held at Inospace’s Powder Mill premises in Ndabeni, brought together a vibrant crowd of Cape Town entrepreneurs. The focus? Learning from those who’ve already built sustainable and scalable businesses.
Three standout local enterprises took the spotlight:
Aromatic Apothecary, founded by Doryce Sher and running for over 30 years.
TUNL, a logistics firm helping local goods cross borders efficiently.
Lelive, a proudly South African skincare brand now available in the UK.
Each business shared lessons learned and the practical realities of scaling up in a challenging economy. A common challenge emerged: the high cost of getting products to customers, particularly in the age of e-commerce and international shipping.
Innovation in Motion
Both Aromatic Apothecary and Lelive found a game-changing solution through TUNL. Matthew Davey, TUNL’s Co-founder and CEO, explained how their custom software helps South African producers access global markets more affordably. It simplifies international shipping, reduces costs, and brings transparency to customs and duties.
“TUNL’s support and pricing have been crucial in helping us break into the UK market,” said Lelive COO Courtney Blandin de Chalain.
The Power of the Pivot
For Doryce Sher, the path to success started with a bold pivot. After years in pharmacy, she stepped away from the conventional industry model. “I want people to feel better without having to take a pill,” she explained, adding. “I believe in the power of plant-based ingredients and aromatherapy to support wellness.”
What began as a personal conviction turned into a trusted brand with a loyal customer base – built on listening, adapting, and staying true to her values. Her story, like those of her fellow panellists, underlined the importance of resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the customer.
Lessons from the front lines of business
The Entrepreneurs’ Network is a joint initiative of the Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies, Over the Rainbow, Silulo Foundation, Inospace and ORT Jet Cape Town. It supports small businesses on their path to growth and sustainability.
Tips from the pros:
- Choose partners who bring value – through ideas, networks, or skills.
Let customer feedback drive product development. Listen to your customers. - Follow industry trends and adapt accordingly.
- Focus your offerings – often 20% of products generate 80% of revenue, so turn those into the hub of the business.
- If something’s not working, let it go – even if it’s a personal favourite.
- Trust your gut when it comes
to risk. - Learn the basics of finance to protect your business. Not knowing what’s going on financially makes you vulnerable to theft and fraud.
Avoid over-borrowing; reinvest wisely.
Be transparent and honest, even in tough times. - Develop your IQ, EQ, and AQ (Adaptability Quotient) — all are essential.
- JULY 2025: Read the June 2025 Digital Edition in your browser as a Flipbook or a PDF.
- SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle for just R450/year (or R38/month debit order) and you will remain connected. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- ADVERTISE in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and on this website. Contact Lynette on 021 464 6736 or email advertising@ctjc.co.za.
