Samantha Collen of JenniDezign
The SACC Business & Community Awards is a celebration of the best efforts and achievements of the South African community in the UK, all wrapped up into a fantastic gala evening.
Samantha Collen received the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year award sponsored by Anglo American for her achieving outstanding success in growing her business with creativity, inventiveness and tenacity.
Do you know an extraordinary entrepreneur who is achieving outstanding success in business, or one wherein they have a significant influence and interest? Please nominate them by simply completing the online form on the SACC Business & Community Awards website.
Nominate an Entrepreneur of the Year 2020
The Kimberley-born owner and marketing director runs JenniDezigns Clothing with her mother, Jenny Collen, who together, proudly produce handmade South African children’s wear. The fun, African print clothing has been inspired by the isiShweshwe design fabric whose colour and vibrancy always makes Samantha smile. The collections for both boys and girls sells globally through an online platform but are also found at outlets in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg through Out of Africa.
Samantha, one of the ten achievers recognised in last year’s ceremony, shares her experience of winning a SACC award:
“It was an absolute privilege to be nominated for an award. A fellow entrepreneur, who understands the challenges of getting a new business off the ground, nominated me. The Award’s evening was well organised, with great food and this fantastic celebration of all things South African showcased the achievements of many people.
I really appreciated the quality of the all the shortlisted candidates and winners. This was a brilliant opportunity to make new connections and also have fun. The award was a great boost to my confidence. It also opened up new contacts which I have since pursued to explore growth opportunities.
The business continues to seek new sales channels that make the best sense for our business. Clothing retail is a tough business, with tight margins, so choosing the channels that bring in the best margin are important. We are bringing in some new products for our wholesale business and also looking to grow our boutique wedding range.”