Female History, Company of the Year at The Corporate Livewire, South Africa, Prestige Awards 2020/2021. It seems like a dream.
When Girltivity went live at the end of October 2019 we were not sure if South Africa was ready for a 'girl' brand that focuses on Female History and STEM. Two subjects that is lacking in the South African education system. Purchasing online and the concept of a monthly subscription box still needed some getting used in South African households.
Our first delivery run was in December 2019. Our "STEAMED UP" boxes sold out in a matter of days.
We were in awe of the support and love that was shown to our brand new company. We surpassed all our projected targets. We supplied schools, churches, we partnered with corporations for their donation drives but most importantly we had children that loved our boxes. The messages from parents, guardians and the children were truly incredible. We were making a difference in the lives of the future generation.
It was the most rewarding feeling! I was so proud of Kiara and her inspiring dream.
We had the opportunity to help nonprofit organizations working to empower women and girls every month. We will be featuring a list of these nonprofit organisations next month in our birthday celebration.
Girltivity created a platform for women and girls to be heard. To ask those uncomfortable but so very important questions that are affecting females around the world. Girltivity is the voice of a nation that demands equality. We want change now, in our lifetime.
We have been so honored to be featured on some of the best blogs, media and publications in South Africa. In February 2020, we was on our third subscription box and we were featured on TV. Confirmation that the Girltivity Brand is a force to be reckoned with.
Girltivity very quickly outgrew a child's dream to a brand that stood bigger and bolder for all girls globally.
By the end of February 2020, Girltivity reached its capacity, we hired 2 more people to manage the day to day running of the business. We sold out in March 2020 which held our record breaking day and month.
Then Covid19 hit and we had to restructure, re-evaluate, redesign and review the Girltivity brand. South Africa went into lockdown and we could not send out our boxes.
We were on a mission and we could not stop. With pride and determination in April 2020, we launched our first digital subscription and we gave the first month free. With this digital subscription we could sell anywhere in the world. It was a huge achievement. We felt like we won against the Covid19 monster but that soon disappeared as each month arrived.
In May we had a good month. Girltivity was honored to sponsor the Mrs South Africa Pageant, Kamentha Pillay who is an advocate for women in STEM. But as we approached the end of June we noticed a considerable drop in sales. During this time we got so much of love for our young brand. It was heart warming. Still, I was concerned about the decline in sales, cancellation of orders and orders put on hold. We had events with corporations that just could not happen.
Kiara patiently listened to every word as The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation. As soon as the president finished she would ask me how does it affect Girltivity? What does it mean for Girltivity?
Being just a few months old, I wondered if Girltivity was strong enough to survive the Covid19 Pandemic?
In July 2020, I got a call from the Ambassador of an Embassy in South Africa and the conversation reaffirmed the importance of a girl empowerment brand in South Africa. The impact that Girltivity has is life changing. The Ambassador opened my eyes to possibilities that I had never considered for our young brand. So watch this space!
Around the same time i had been contacted about The Corporate Livewire South Africa Prestige Awards process and was required to confirm if we would like to participate.
I was grateful for the consideration and nomination but I never thought we would win as we were only a few months old.
The Corporate Livewire South Africa Prestige Awards recognizes small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.
Girltivity was asked to support our nomination with evidence of our work, positive feedback from our clients, information on previous accreditation’s and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of our business.
Girltivity was judged based on service excellence, quality of the product/ service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance. We won because we best demonstrated strengths in these areas.
We won!
Female History, Company of the Year at The Corporate Livewire, South Africa, Prestige Awards 2020/2021. I only told Kiara about the award when we won and she causally replied yeah we did! We the best! I love having a positive, energetic and creative partner. This child has changed the way i think and I am loving this new me!
What an incredible journey it has been!
I would like to thank God for being so faithful and rewarding every step of the way. Thank you to the most amazing team that believe in our mission and vision. Thank you to our awesome subscribers and all the incredible people that support Girltivty. We could not have won this award without you!
Here's to making a difference, building confidence, changing our dinner table conversations, adding female history to our bedtime stories, do not leave the boys out let them be encouraged by outstanding women, achieving gender equality in this lifetime, empowering women and girls in STEM and may we never forget the fearless female role models that changed the world.
Our world!
Romona Mahadeo, is the founder of the trademark brand, Girltivity and mum to kidpreneur, Kiara Mahadeo. Shae has two brilliant little girls who have made her focus on the importance of empowering and inspiring young girls. Helping kids discover their dreams through creativity and finding their passion has become her life's work.
https://www.girltivity.com/