In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we proudly feature interviews with resilient women who embody social, economic, cultural and professional achievements. These women are wonderful examples of 2021’s campaign theme: Choose to Challenge. A challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge, comes change. Their stories highlight the importance and power of women supporting women and how their rise to success was made possible through the upliftment of others.
Veronica Swanepoel
Owner and Creative of Concept inc. Graphic and Website Design
What is your background, what industry do you work in now, and how long have you worked in this industry?
With my little college degree in hand, the year was 2004, and I was starting out at a tiny printing company (horror, yes, people used to print things!) I then moved to a large Desk Top Publishing and Litho printer from 2008 to 2010. In 2011 I started at a marketing agency where I was lucky enough to learn the digital marketing skills that allowed me to start my own business.
What do you love about what you do?
I get to make a real impact on people’s businesses. I love working with small businesses and start-ups because the partnerships that are created are incredible and I get to see how my designs and websites change their business.
What are the professional and/or personal achievements you’re most proud of?
Professionally, I am so proud of my business, how much it’s grown and that this year will be my 5th year.
Personally, gosh I can’t really choose but I would say kicking cancer’s butt, upskilling myself and using those skills to start my own business.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
As a woman in the web industry it can be quite tough as I have to deal with a male-dominated developer industry. I often get spoken down to (which can be infuriating), but I do like the change in their tone when they realise that: yes, I do actually know what I’m talking about. #likeaboss
What advice could you share with young women entering a male-dominated profession?
The web and developer side is a particularly male-dominated industry, but the graphic field is quite even. I would tell all young women wanting to enter the tech side to earn respect, know your stuff – “be so good that they can’t ignore you”, and speak up when you can guide your clients or team. Learn from others and welcome constructive criticism where possible.Most importantly always be your amazing, authentic, creative self.
Who has been your mentor, or what inspires you in your professional and personal life?
My mentor is Elaine from People Dynamics. She played such a huge part in starting and getting my business to where it is today. I take inspiration from my family and my furkids. My dad has an amazing work ethic and my mom is our personal cheerleader, my sisters – for being my forever best friends. My husband, who has let me follow my dreams (even after we’d just bought a house and needed a stable income). My friends; being brave enough to move to a different country, selflessly working at non-profit organisations, power moms that are raising incredible families or lady bosses starting their own businesses, they are all amazing and beautiful and so strong, just the absolute best.
Do you have any other achievements, comments or advice for women you’d like to share?
I know it is a cliché, but you need to have some passion for what you do and if you aren’t where you want to be, or doing what you want to do yet, it’s okay. You’ll get there – just take it one day at a time.
Take a look at what Concept Inc gets up to
Concept Inc. wants your business to shine and your marketing to get results. Our creative concepts will shape your business brand and website into something remarkable, leaving you knowing you have found your lifelong design partner.
Take a look at Concept Inc’s website: concept-inc.co.za
About Do Digital
Started in 2016 by Kirstin van Heerden, Do Digital is a full service digital marketing consulting firm.
We have experience working with small, medium and large organisations, from start-ups to agencies, and multi-nationals.
We enjoy working with clients who have a product, service or message that they want to get out there, and who value the impact that marketing can have in getting this done well. We only suggest strategies and tactics that we know will add value.
We know our stuff when it comes to marketing strategy, websites, Google Ads, YouTube Ads, copywriting, marketing collateral, branding and conceptualisation.
OUR VISION is to be your preferred marketing consulting partner who makes an impact to your business through our consultations, strategies and digital marketing implementation tactics.
