Namibian entrepreneur fills a style gap with Zooty Accessories Unlimited
Local entrepreneur Elaine Bruyns founded Zooty Accessories Unlimited in May 2022 after identifying a gap in the Namibian accessories market.The business offers a diverse range of products, including stainless steel jewellery pieces, beaded and magnetic bracelets, charms, and custom-made, high-quality leather shoes.
“The reason why I started this business is because we are very limited in Namibia when it comes to variety," Bruyns explained.
“My idea around the business was to be different and unique in my own way,” Bruyns added.
Founding her business gave Bruyns an opportunity to combine creativity with purpose while staying true to her values of quality, individuality and uniqueness.
Meeting that gap in the market has resulted in consistently high demand for her products.
“It was a lifelong dream to do something I love and to make a living out of it. After all, jewellery and shoes are a girl’s best friend," she said.
Overcoming challenges
Like many new business ventures, the early days came with challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles was understanding customer preferences and ensuring that the products they love are also readily available, Bruyns explained.
Timely stock delivery has also proven difficult at times. “It’s not always an easy task,” she admitted, “but never give up on your dreams.”
Bruyns credits her supportive family and friends, especially her husband, for believing in her endeavour.
"It gives me so much joy when a customer buys a pair of unique shoes and to see their faces filled with happiness and joy," she shared.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to persevere and endure.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful,” she added, quoting Albert Schweitzer – words that continue to inspire her.