Business after the TotalEnergies StartUpper of the year award- Nonhlanhla B Phalama
Two years after being awarded the Top Female TotalEnergies StartUpper of the year 2019, Nonhlanhla B Phalama shares an update on her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons learnt in the process.
“As an engineer, I thrive on problem-solving and innovation, so when I saw challenges posed by traditional farming and how they limited the growth of our business, I looked into different solutions,” says Nonhlanhla B. Phalama, co-founder and owner of Davinon Hydroponics. “My business partner and I were introduced to hydroponic farming through research, we assessed the benefits of this method of farming and concluded it enabled us to go beyond the limits of traditional farming,” she explained.
When asked how she felt about winning the award, Nhlanhla explained that the business concept had already been presented to several investors who unfortunately doubted the capabilities of its success and profitability. “When we entered the TotalEnergies StartUpper of the year Challenge, we believed our concept was different and helped solve multiple problems in an innovative and creative method,” says Nonhlanhla. Hydroponics Farming uses less land space than traditional farming, saving water and allowing for crops to be produced regardless of the season. “Winning the competition, validated our idea and gave us confidence in the dream,” said Nonhlanhla.
When looking at the benefits of the award, Nonhlanhla explained that the business was still new and unknown, and the marketing support as part of the prize served as an introduction to a new market. “It built on the foundation of the business” explained Nonhlanhla. “We had an opportunity to present the concept beyond just investors and focused on the communities, inspiring other young entrepreneurs and motivating them to also look beyond everyday challenges to pursue their dreams,” said Nonhlanhla.
TotalEnergies StartUpper of the year Challenge winners were also provided with mentoring opportunities. “Our business knowledge had been solely driven by passion and I did not have a mentor. Getting an opportunity to be mentored made me realise the importance and the value it brings to how an entrepreneur engages with their business. There is the great value of knowledge exchanged from a person who has been in business whatever the industry they are in” says Nonhlanhla. “I found myself referencing these lessons during COVID-19 when our business was challenged, like many other small businesses,” elaborated Nonhlanhla.
As part of the prize, funding of R500 000 was invested into the Davinon Hydroponic business.
The owners opted to invest it in self-development as they aimed to learn about business and their industry. “Before we could purchase asserts or machinery, we saw it fitting to invest in ourselves to ensure we are well equipped with knowledge and understanding of the industry we are operating in,” says Nonhlanha, who has completed the Entrepreneurship Development course at one of the leading business institutions, GIBS Business School.
"As a business, we have had to reshape and rebuild since winning the StartUpper of the year Challenge. We are stronger and better than before," said Nonnhlahlan. According to Nonhlanhla, the business was previously run on a rented 10-hector farm, now the business owns a 25-hector farm allowing for larger production. "We continue to be driven by the need to do and be better, committed to our dream and goal of making a difference in our communities," concludes Nonhlanhla.