It is with mixed emotions that I type this blog post, you see, three weeks ago I took a giant leap of faith and decided that it was now or never. My dreams couldn’t wait until tomorrow, they needed my attention today and so on Monday the 25th I drew The Ruby Orchard chapter to a close.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make because in all honestly it has quite possibly been the best career year of my life and no I’m not just saying this to score extra brownie points with the boss. What I’ve learnt in the last year is unbelievable. I’ve learnt valuable business knowledge that no textbook could ever ever teach you and it’s completely reignited my entrepreneur fire!

If you live in Howick you will agree that The Ruby Orchard is a complete rare gem and a proven that something different can work in a small town.  With it’s rapid expansion The Ruby Orchard has proven all the nay sayers wrong, has gained followers from all over South Africa and continues to grow from strength to strength so it is quite clear that the business principles practiced at The RO are ones to aspire to!

Here are the valuable lessons and memories that have shaped the last career year of my life…

1. Forever Organise. And make sure you cross everything off your list. If you plan to do it then do it! Don’t put it on your list and keep carrying it over until the next day. Do it today when it is meant to be done. The Boss (yes that’s you Hannah) is the ultimate organisation queen and I love how she stands by her to do list.

2. Anything is possible. Yes it is! A beautiful 3 Room gift, decor & furniture store in Howick? Yes Possible! A Creative Workshop in Howick? Yes Possible! Customers who plan day trips up to the Midlands just for The RO? Yes Possible! A custom reclaimed timber frame for your beautiful painting? Yes Possible!

3. Be the Heart of Innovation. At the beginning of this year this quote featured on The Ruby Orchard blog because that is exactly what The RO Stands for. Being a leader. Setting the trend and being one step ahead of the game at all times. If you innovate copycats will forever be that, copycats.

4. Répondez, s’il vous plaît. Your customers are EVERYTHING! Without them you are basically and sadly nothing. So respond to them no matter what the inquiry is. Even if it is to say a polite no thank you. Depressingly I found out that not responding to customers was the almost acceptable thing to do in South Africa that’s why when I first started at The RO I was impressed with the genuine interest of each and every customer. And that black book that took your details and got you a phone call back!

5. Know what you want! Yet again Hannah is a big inspiration when it comes to a woman who knows what she wants. If you know what you want then you will make plans on how to get it. And if want you want isn’t available then ask for it. I bet you (as per point 2) it is possible!

And to think I almost never took the job. Gasp!

A true new beginning lies ahead….