After Covid-19 hit the world in 2019, air hostess Nakedi Madibogo's working hours were cut down as the aviation industry took a knock. The airline she worked for operated with less flights as most countries had strict travel restrictions, which meant less staff was needed.
LEAVING HER JOB
Struggling to survive in a foreign country, Madibogo from Ebony Park in Tembisa decided to leave her job in Dubai. She had spent four years in the United Arab Emirates country. "I came back home because Emirates Airlines was laying off a lot of staff. It was extremely heart breaking because no one thought Covid-19 would change our lives like this.
BUSINESS VENTURE
Since she was struggling to survive on the little salary she was getting in Dubai, she decided to comeback to South Africa and looked at where her passions lie.
"I knew that it would have to do with events, beauty and making people happy," she said. Two years later, she employs three part-time staff members and is set to change how people experience luxury events in South Africa.
CREATING PERFECT BALLOONGARLANDS
Balloon Garlands by Nakedi in July 2021 after she took up a task to create a balloon garland for her niece's first birthday party. "The garland which is made up of balloons staked up together to create a centre piece for events and parties is normally the main attraction at events as people dress up to take pictures next to it. "I took my time to practice and perfected the garland for my niece's birthday and I have not stopped making balloon garlands since then," she said. So far, she has done work for Miss/Mr SA Earth pageant, private clients and corporate.
FUTURE PLANS
She says her business has a simple task in the community, to create jobs and make sure that people have a taste of luxury at their special events. "I love seeing happy clients at the end of a good garland installation. For me it's one of the reasons why I even do this. I enjoy making people's events beautiful and balloons make everyone happy, and they are here to stay. It's a business that I see being around for a long time and creating sustainable jobs for people," she adds.
