[This is our second edition of our ‘Women in Business‘-series. Our first edition: Michelle Heyns from Blunt]
Over the past few decades, women have achieved remarkable progress in the corporate world. Despite the difficulties and impediments they encountered, female entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders have overcome barriers and dispelled misconceptions to establish their influence across various sectors.
In this ever-evolving world, where uncertainty and unpredictability reign, meeting with Sandra Fourie, the owner of bläsəm, was a privilege. Her success story is an inspiration to those seeking transformation and a reminder that positive change is possible.
A true inspiration to turn to for transformation.
Can you tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it?
The idea of my own practice has been in my mind ever since I was a little girl. In my wildest dreams I never thought it would turn out like the present.
My inspiration came from, and still is, my own journey and story of growth. I know how it feels to not know where you belong or who you are. To feel a longing inside but you are not sure for what. When I was in my mid-twenties, I’ve decided to do whatever it takes to come to a point where I am comfortable and content with who I am and what I am doing.
Long story short, after many studies, training and workshops (for personal growth) and hours of work, ‘bläsǝm’ went live on 1 August 2021. ‘bläsəm’is the phonetic spelling of blossom.
The idea came one evening as I was playing with ideas about flowers. I’m not a flower type of girl, but my daughter is, and she has taught me so much about life and colour, and I love new spring blossoms.
I played around in ‘Google Translate’ and the word ‘bläsəm’ came up. It spoke to me right away. Being Afrikaans, it looked just like ‘asem’, which means breath. And I tried to pronounce it also like the word ‘asem’.
“Breath is such a good description of life. “
My business is to get you excited about yourself by teaching you a language to express yourself – in whatever way you feel comfortable with. I use tools such as The CliftonStrengths Assessment and Enneagram (iEQ9 Reports) to guide you back to your core identity through healthy habits.
There are two core fears: losing what you have,
and not getting what you want.
There is one solution: Falling in love with where you are.JEFF FOSTER
What do you think sets your business apart from competitors in the industry?
I integrate CliftonStrengths Assessment and Enneagram, which is a rare combination to specialise in. I’m also not a Life Coach but an In-Depth Process Facilitator. I facilitate a process, create a safe space, for my clients to set goals, but also explore the things beneath the iceberg. I combine tools, psychology and everyday life for my clients to narrate a new story – the truth about themselves.
Can you discuss a particularly challenging obstacle your business has faced and how you overcame it?
My business helps me to overcome my personal insecurities every day. Although I am skilled and trained in the tools I used, I’m still human with vulnerabilities and challenges of my own.
If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.
BRENÉ BROWN
What do you believe are the most important qualities for a successful entrepreneur to have?
Stay open for everyday learning. Fail fast and be very very very creative.
Can you talk about a recent project or initiative your business has launched that you are particularly proud of?
I’m facilitating a CliftonStrengths Assessment Workshop specifically for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. The workshop address efficiency, effectiveness and focus (EEF) in the workplace according to each team members’ StrengthsFinder profile. Soft skill development, communication and embracing diversity will be addressed during this 6-hour workshop on Friday, 5 May 2023 at HelloWork, Woodmill Lifestyle Centre. This idea was born from the fact that small businesses cannot shut down for one whole day for team development, this workshop creates an opportunity for one or two team members to attend. There will be a few of these workshops throughout the year to accommodate your whole team.
Another initiative to look out for is a launch early Winter in co-operation with ‘Thyme2b Coaching’ and ‘Lilibeth’. Some inside info – it is all for women entrepreneurs….
“I hope that I can stay true to my values to better serve my clients by providing relevant content for individual- and group workshops.”
Hello Work is a coworking office space in Stellenbosch focussing on delivering a modern, creative, focus-friendly environment for creative entrepreneurs and startups.
Hello Work is delighted to form a part of a co-working community that is able to provide a functional creative space to assist with the sustainability pipeline of spinning out prospering startups and successful businesses.
