My Journey From Becoming a CA(SA) to Starting My Own Business

• We all must overcome our fears of failure and rejection to be successful and achieve what we want.
• Hi, I am Xoliswa Hlongwane, a proud chartered accountant and entrepreneur.
• Here is my journey from being an average learner at school to qualifying as a CA (SA) to starting her own clothing manufacturing business while still working full time.

Back Story: Why I Decided to Become a Chartered Accountant

During primary schooling, I was an average learner who got just enough marks to progress to the next grade. I was too playful and didn’t focus much on my studies.

When I was younger, we moved around quite a lot. Growing up in different communities and cities made me streetwise and aware of the world out there, which was different from most of my schoolmates or even peers in the community.

Also, my dad, with whom I moved to the province to live, died at the beginning of the year. So I had to finish that year at school and then move to my relative’s place. Life was definitely not easy for me.