Nothando Tembe owns and manages a digital agency, Nothando Tembe Communications, in Durban. She started her company to help small businesses grow and succeed through digital tools… Because Nothando firmly believes in empowering passionate people and their businesses. She shares her journey with GH writer Ondela Mlandu.
About Nothando Tembe Communications
The digital agency business’s core focus is brand development, design and social media marketing. “We work with businesses of all sizes, helping them with branding and managing their digital platforms effectively,” she says.
A career in communications: the low-down
Nothando graduated in Public Relations Management, but later decided to focus on the digital aspect of it. “I would suggest the same qualification or a communications qualification for anyone who wants to get into the industry,” she says.
The digital world is growing and there are quite a few courses available that strictly focus on digital. “Follow blogs that give out information and knowledge for free, such as Google, YouTube and Pinterest. I also have a blog that shares a few of my learnings and insights that can be helpful,” she says.
Words of advice for future digital aficionados
Best advice she could give someone wanting to pursue this space: be hungry to learn. Take the initiative to immerse yourself in as much as you can. “There is so much information available online to learn anything and everything when it comes to digital. The best part about the digital world is that there are things you can do without a qualification. With the right experience and knowledge, you can get far,” she says.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
As someone new in the digital agency and entrepreneurial world, Nothando still feels there are quite a few people ahead of her, who know more. “I’m just a small fish in a big pond. Every time I get invited to speak somewhere, or a potential client wants to work with me, the Imposter Syndrome strikes. But I’ve learnt to slowly get past it because I’ve worked hard to be where I am, so I have definitely earned all of those things,” she says.
How to succeed as a digital agency businesswoman…
Let go of fear! “Fear is one of the many things that can cripple us from starting, making decisions and leading. Once you let go of fear, trust in your dreams and desires… this will get you very far,” says Nothando.
Collaboration is empowering
Be open to collaborating and working with other women. “There is so much power in uplifting each other, forming tribes and working with each other,” she says. The digital industry is dominated by women doing amazing things. “Digital is still growing in South Africa, so I believe there is still so much growth that is yet to take place for everyone in it,” she adds.
Books for your collection…
These two books helped Nothando to navigate her journey:
You are a badass by Jen Sincero
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The art of self-care
“I love alone time, so I try to have that every day when I get home and read my book for an hour or two. I occasionally take myself out on solo dates and this year I’m planning to do solo trips,” she says. We’re with you on all of the above, Nothando!
Connect on the socials
Instagram @NT_Comms or @nothandotembe
Twitter: NTcomms_
