Empowering Entrepreneurs - Unaiza Suliman Shares Her Top Tips for Startups and SMMES

In a time when entrepreneurship is more than just a buzzword—it's a necessity—Unaiza Suliman stands out as a voice of experience, resilience, and insight. As a successful businesswoman, motivational figure, and founder of multiple ventures including a rapidly growing beauty product line, Suliman has become a beacon of inspiration for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across South Africa and beyond.

- By Mail & Guardian Contributor

Speaking exclusively to Mail & Guardian, Suliman shares powerful, practical tips for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses, while navigating the evolving economic landscape.

1. Understand Your Business Inside and Out

According to Suliman, too many entrepreneurs start with excitement but not enough depth.

“You can't build something you don’t understand. Take the time to research your industry, understand your competitors, and know your numbers. You should be so familiar with your offering that you can pitch it in 30 seconds or spend 3 hours explaining it.”

She stresses that successful businesses begin with clarity of purpose. That means identifying what problem you're solving, who your ideal customer is, and what sets you apart from everyone else.

2. Your Brand Is Everything

Unaiza is known for her sharp personal branding evident in her own image, digital presence, and growing beauty empire.