Entrepreneur Focus - Charmaine Slade

Entrepreneurs are the people who bring innovation to the world, the courageous risk-takers who are determined to pursue their dreams, no matter what the cost. 

Today on @TriumphantZoeCoaching #EntrepreneurFocus, meet @Charmaine Slade who is the proud owner of @DreamGreenProjects88 which offers Skills Development Facilitation services for different corporates in all spheres of the economy

1. Tell us about yourself?

 My name is Charmaine Slade, a classic woman from Eldorado Park. Five years ago, I wrote a book called “I Am”, highlighting my journey up to my 50th Birthday and showcasing to South Africans that something good can come from my neighbourhood. I based my book on a Bible scripture, John 1 verse 45 - 47.

“Can anything good come from Nazareth…”. Being an author created a platform for me to appear on ‘Expresso’, the ETV ‘morning show’, TV 2 ‘Good Morning SA show’, and on the DSTV Via Channel  ‘My Matriek Afskeid’. This programme aired about 5 to 6 times.

On a professional level, my experience is too vast to mention. I have a B.Ed (From RAU now UJ) degree in Information Science and Library Science. As well as a post-graduate Honours in Business Management (Regent) and a mini MBA from Gibbs business school. I lectured for 3 years at a Technical College and went on to become to be a Retail Manager for both CNA and DIONS stores. Thereafter I joined African Bank as a Training manager. I was head hunted by Afrox Gas group and worked for the group for 7 years as a Business Analyst. In my last ten years I joined the Transport Seta (TETA) until God proved to me He has greater plans for me.

Since my book was released it took me 5 years up to date to give heed to God’s calling to open my own business and become an Entrepreneur on a full-time basis, before, I used to run my business as a part-time hustle.

I now run now 3 businesses on a full-time basis.

2. What is the name of your business?

Dream Green Projects 68

3. What services do you offer?

We offer SDF (Skills Development Facilitation) services for different corporates in all spheres of the economy. This service includes an actual classroom and virtual training, consultation, management of training projects for submission of companies WSP and ATRs

Dream Green Projects also runs an Airbnb (since most of our corporates have clients that fly into JHB for one or two nights overstay. These clients prefer a spacious atmosphere at a reasonable price and not being cropped into a small hotel room at a high price).

Lastly, Dream Green Project sells high-end quality fashion accessories at reasonable prices in order for the corporate staff to always look good and professional.

4. What drives and motivates you in business?

Passion and the love of what I am doing. Customer satisfaction and just getting up each day knowing what I am doing creates a legacy in so many People’s lives. There is no better feeling than when delegates graduate and you capped them knowing you played a role in changing that person’s lives forever. You started to create a legacy that will change a legacy for generations to come.

5. What sets you apart from other entrepreneurs in your line of work?

I am living my purpose and in return, my goal is to ensure my client’s purpose for making use of my services is also fulfilled.

(Should my clients not be satisfied it means I failed in my duty and I will go back and ensure I rectify the situation)

My business is a calling not a means of getting rich quickly, famous etc…

Yes, the monetary reward is necessary for me to reach more people and global platforms but at the end of the day, it is about serving people.

6. How can people find you?

   Number: 0845508501

   Email: Charmaine@elethuskills.co.za / slade.charmaine384@gmail.com.

7. Where are you based?

I am based in JHB and in Cape Town (I have properties in both these provinces) and the Skills Development operates all over the globe if the client pays for travel and accommodation for areas not in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

8. Do you have a quote that you live by?

In this lifetime,  live with excellence.

9. Do you have any challenges in your line of work?

Yes, I find that Communication is key. Talk it out. Take it day by day

10. Which clients would you like to work with or would be your dream client?

Mainly corporates and the dream clients would be those who can honour their commitments and work well with their services providers