Falling pregnant at the age of 17 and not being able to complete her high school education did not deter this former domestic worker from becoming a successful business owner and author and obtaining her matric certificate at the age of 42.
Growing up in Butterworth, Nomathandazo Vena Kalani, who did many odd jobs, including waitressing and being a cashier, fought an uphill battle and overcame many challenges to make a name for herself in the petroleum industry.
Today, Kalani is the proud owner of Engen Convenience Centre in Cape Road, Nelson Mandela Bay and shares her story in her memoir, Precious Stones within our Flaws, which was officially launched late last month.
Her debut novel is the story of a brave woman who conquered excruciating hardship and countless barriers to lead her best life.
“The title of my book resonates with me because it’s all about acceptance. I have made many mistakes in my life but, in hindsight, I have come to realise that there were also many beautiful moments interwoven with the sorrow and to now stop beating myself up for any wrong turns,” Kalani said.
She explained that when she became pregnant as a teen, the only thing she was focused on was putting food on the table to ensure that her child was taken care of.
Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would one day have her own business or become an author.
“I couldn’t be more proud of myself. I think back on where I come from and where I am, I could have never imagined I would make it this far. I couldn’t be happier and more proud of what I’ve achieved thus far.”
She explained that her difficult life experiences have taught her many valuable life lessons, one of them being that living in poverty and having a child so young, she had to work for her child, because they were extremely poor.
“My mistake of having a baby so young definitely created an obstacle in finishing school but I did it now that I’m older because I figured that there’s nothing stopping me from improving and educating myself now that I have the resources. So going back was merely self-development.
“I was disappointed in myself, but determined to make something out of my life, otherwise my son would have had to live the same life as mine. I left school and moved to New Brighton in Gqeberha where I found a job as a domestic worker and later a cashier at local taverns in KwaNobuhle.”
According to Kalani, her entrepreneurial spirit emerged at a young age as did her ability to bounce back from bumps in the road. When she was in primary school, she used to sell sweets and chicken heads and feet to help support her family and opened her first spaza shop while still at high school.
“My first taste of the petroleum industry was in 1995, when I became a petrol attendant and then a cashier at a local garage. I found that I had a knack for the industry and worked my way up to eventually become a 50% owner of the garage.”
However, difficulties in her marriage to a man who owned the other 50%, led her to sell her share in the petrol station and seek alternative employment to support her three children.
Despite not having a matric or any formal training, Kalani found she had a natural leadership ability and could inspire others around her.
Opportunity knocked on her door in 2011 when she was offered an Engen dealership following a stringent assessment and evaluation process.
“Engen assessed me on my ability and never judged me for not having matric, whilst supporting and preparing me for the road ahead. I attended a course at Stellenbosch University and was fully supported by Engen so that I could seamlessly take over as the proud owner of the garage in February 2012.”
Determined to deal with her debilitating self-esteem issues, she managed to obtain her matric certificate in 2017 at the age of 42.
“I’m proud of my journey and can thankfully say that I have managed to conquer some of my fears and insecurity. Writing my book is my greatest achievement because I have managed to reclaim my freedom.”
Today, she is happily married to Xolani Amos Kalani and her three children are thriving. Her personal philosophy is: “You only have today, you don’t know your tomorrow.”
She believes that you should use up today as if it is your last because your tomorrow isn’t promised.
“You don’t know what cards tomorrow will deal you. When I am under stress, I remind myself that there are better days ahead.”
Win! Win! Win!
The PE Express is giving away five copies of Kalani’s memoir, Precious Stones within our Flaws.
To enter, fill in your details in the entry form below.
