MUMPRENEUR SPECIAL

extract from The Zim mums Magazine edition 10- CHRISTMAS 2014

Zim mums caught up with Astrid Burnett the managing Director of Sistazinc Ltd, supplier of designer children’s wear who also provide a personal shopping service. Located at Shop 8 Strathaven Shopping Centre in Avondale west Harare.
SistazInc.… tell us about the name and the meaning behind it
*The name Sistaz Inc. denotes (sisters as it is usually women that buy children’s clothing. Inc. is short for Incorporated Kidz.

Why children’s wear specifically and where did you get the inspiration from?
*The world changes when you become an aunt. You become legally insane! Of all the job titles I’ve held in my life including senior internal Auditor, “mom in the uk” as my sister’s kids call me is by far the most important and fun title I’ve ever had. I have always been involved in the fashion industry from an early age. I took an image consulting course at the London school of Fashion but decided to concentrate on kids wear as I just love dressing up the little one especially in their early years before they start exercising their own minds.

How do you keep afloat in the current economic situation?
*It has been very challenging to keep my business afloat especially considering that I run the business remotely from the UK. I have never believed in price wars in any business, instead I concentrate on the quality of my stock and every time I have staff meetings I make sure I train my staff on new business development techniques and keep a close eye on costs but also making sure that I don’t over-sacrifice.

You have been involved with Zim mums directly at a time of need for one of us; you chose to be charitable when others had only words for the young mum. Tell us what giving means to you?
*The bible teaches us that ‘THERE IS MORE HAPPINESS IN GIVING THAN IN RECEIVING” James 2;15-16 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and on elf you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled.” And yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Tell us 3 things that no one knows about you?(Astrid)
 I go out of my way to eat junk food but can’t put on weight to save my life.
 I hate flying though I travel a lot
 I won the Miss Kitwe (Zambia) beauty contest 1992

Any words of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs?
*keep away from people who try and belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that but the really great make you feel like you can be great