#EntrepreneurMonth: Zinhle Isima's ticket to ride

As a full-time working mom of four, Zinhle Isima (36) from Durban Central, has always had a keen interest in starting her own business. By combining her passion for travel and business she and husband Louis started their own company. Working as an independent travel agent through FlightSiteAgent − a registered online travel provider to agents and SMES − since June 2002, Isima has grown her business from a part-time start-up to a full-blown career. Here, she shares more on her travel business.

How old e-ticketnet?

I've been in business for 14 years. Our travel agency launched in 2001 when my husband and I saw an opportunity to set up a travel and tours business that catered to a wide range of entertainment and travel consumers in the Durban Central area. From our small beginnings, e-ticketnet has grown to become a full travel and tours agency through strategic alliances with industry partners in entertainment, airlines and luxury coach bookings.

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, because it affords the opportunity to become financially independent, and have a positive impact on my community and country. I've always been fascinated by the idea of creating a business venture, and taking the steps needed to achieve it.

What made you decide to take the leap and start your own travel business?

My interest for travel was cultivated during my high school years. I was fascinated with the job description in the travel and tourism space, and always wanted to work in the industry. I decided to set-up a travel and tours agency business when I discovered a vacuum for online travel and live event ticketing in The Durban Central area. After completing my studies, I spent the first two years working as a domestic luxury coaches booking agent. This was very helpful during the early stages of starting my business.

Is this your first entrepreneurial venture? If not, what was?

I consider e-ticketnet as my first entrepreneurial venture, but I have been involved in a number of smaller projects along the way. All of them enabled me to gain business experience today as well as helped to keep my business afloat.

In your opinion, what are some of the rewards and challenges of being your own boss?

Being your own boss to me is first on the list of rewards as it allows me to set my own hours, allocate a raise when the business has done well, take leave when necessary and all while you’re doing a job you love. Challenges are however inevitable in business, and more so for service business like a travel agent. Financial institutions and creditors expect you to prove that your business is sustainable before they can trust you or have confidence in your business to invest capital or support you. However with time, persistence and patience you can overcome these challenges.

How many staff do you employ?

We currently have three staff members, and are hopeful to increase the number in foreseeable future.

How long have you been using the FlightSiteAgent platform and what has the experience been like?

I started using the FlightsiteAgent platform over two years ago after I came across the website through a referral from a friend. It’s known to be one of the essential partners in the travel industry and I will recommend it to others because of the complete support it offers to its agents, which also includes educational workshops.

What advice do you have for those wanting to start their own business?

There is always a tomorrow, even if today is difficult. Don't give up! The most important trait that will lead to success is persistence and endurance. Be flexible and adapt to the changing context without being thrown by it. Act quickly and decisively but don't think that you know things best. Most importantly never give up. Starting a business is a long slog; if one is just looking for a quick buck then you probably will be disappointed. However, if you have a long breath and keep at it the rewards will come.