Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko commonly known as Precious The Planner is regarded as one of Africa’s top and sought after Wedding Planners & Event Designers.
As the Founder of Precious Celebration, she has planned and produced well over 300 weddings, corporate events and private celebrations in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Mauritius. With solid industry experience of well over 17years (8yrs in Corporate + 9yrs as an entrepreneur) in the hospitality, eventing, public relations, telecommunication, retail and wedding industry.
We catch up with the entrepreneur that is globally recognised for her luxury touch to special occasions.
Describe entrepreneurship in 5 words
Fulfilling, Risky, Rewarding, School of Life and Cutthroat.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
The opportunities that were presented to me whilst in corporate ignited my fire and passion to become an entrepreneur. I saw a gap in the market for a niche offering in the saturated industry and took the leap of faith.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about the work you do?
That it’s simple and glamourous, that what we do is to fulfil a hobby and not running a business. A big one is the misconception that we make all the decisions and it’s all about us. People also assuming that you can’t be an event or wedding planner full time.
Hardest lesson you’ve learnt on your journey thus far?
That you can’t do everything yourself, knowing your strengths and what support you need is what will set you up for success. Growth in business and as an individual comes with its own challenges, sometimes you don’t see it coming. Anticipating the challenges and putting systems in place to overcome the demands.
Best memory as an entrepreneur?
Being invited as a speaker at one of the top luxury wedding business summits, the Engage Summit in Dubai representing the entire African continent, it’s the most exclusive conference in the industry globally. Sharing the stage with industry leaders from around the world that I have looked up for years especially when I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey was a reassurance that my brand is recognised globally. The realisation that persevering and all the hard work really pays off, because building a trusted brand is very hard.
How are you innovating in your business?
Constantly looking at ways to better our offering and customer experience by keeping abreast of the event / wedding industry trends and available data. Aiming to be on top of the game when it comes to global trends so we can educate and wow our clients. In this day and age, clients planning a celebration have a digital first mindset, they do their research and find the best to tell their story and our aim is to always stay on top of mind and the best in the industry.
A song that perfectly describes a day in your life?
Estelle – Conqueror
What are you reading?
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
The best business advice you have ever received?
Failure is inevitable, but learning from your mistakes is the best way to accelerate your business to become a success.
What advice can you give to people who are new to business/entrepreneurship?
Don’t rush it, you will know when you are ready to take that leap of faith. I will share my favourite quote “If your dreams don’t scare, they are not big enough” so if you are afraid, do it scared.
