Being an ‘outsider’ in an industry is not uncommon in South Africa. In most cases, women are the ‘outsiders’ coming into a male-dominated industry. This is the case with the aviation industry which is male-dominated, with the majority of pilots and engineers being men. But women like Christinah Serete are spreading their wings too.
In this week’s SME Founder Focus, we chatted with the founder of Bryt Future Aviation, Christinah Serete. Serete is a professional private pilot with over 200 hours of experience. She started her piloting career in the private sector but is currently in training to become a commercial pilot.
Bryt Future Aviation Takes Flight
While working towards her commercial license, Serete also works as the founder of Bryt Future Aviation. The company focuses on empowering and helping high school students with skills development programmes in the aviation industry.
“What we do is tutoring in STEM subjects, field trips, career coaching and career guidance. In addition to that, we have aviation events which are made for everyone interested in aviation, not just high school students. So, we really are working to help everyone interested in breaking into the industry,” Serete says.
Serete discovered her passion for aviation back in high school. And while she knew she wanted to be in the industry, she was not sure in which capacity. On top of that, she also wanted to become an entrepreneur.
To help her figure it all out, Serete joined a programme called Step Up 2 A Start Up by Primestars Digital. The programme helped Christinah align her passion for aviation with her passion for entrepreneurship. Through the programme, Serete learned about the fundamentals of running a business and knowing how to solve any problem using creative solutions.
“I learned so much about business and just how for every problem there is a solution. For me, the programme was a step in the right direction for my future and an experience that helped me get my business to where it is now,” Serete explained.
Turbulence In Her Entrepreneurial Journey
One of the problems Serete has faced in her business journey is breaking out of the non-profit organisation (NPO). Serete wanted to break out of that mould because it did not fit the vision of the business. Because of this problem, she decided to register her company as a private company.
By registering as a private company, Serete ensures that her students do not have to pay for any of the programmes they participate in. To fund the programmes, she utilises funding she gets from big corporations.
“Studying in this industry can get very expensive. Some students can maybe afford to pay for tutoring but when it comes to the learning programmes and training it is not as affordable for everyone. So through Bryt Future Aviation, we aim to give students free training so they can achieve their dreams,” she says.
Clear Skies and Flight Paths
Although the journey for Serete and Bryt Future Aviation is just beginning, she expresses that there have been moments of validation. She expresses that getting her first client was the best part of the beginning of the business. Additionally, she says the brand exposure she has gotten recently has shown her that she is on the right path and doing the right things.
“Besides getting the logo for my company (finally), I think the first client has been my proudest moment so far. And of course being invited to speak at events has given me the boost I needed to know that I am becoming an expert ‘voice’ within the industry. And of course all the brand exposure,” says Serete.
Speaking on what’s coming next for her and her business, Serete is planning on hosting an event. The event (for now) is called the Bryt Future Aviation Quiz. The event is designed for all aviation professionals from pilots to aerospace engineers. Serete says the aim is to introduce the public to the industry and shine a spotlight on the many professionals.
Additionally, the event will feature cash prizes, bursary prizes for any students looking to enter the industry and debt-clearing prizes for those who have student debt. The most important thing for the founder is to also raise funds for the business so that she can continue supporting students who want to work in the aviation industry.
“I really want to bring people to the industry, so the plan is to host it at an airport. This will give people a real insight into how we operate. Also, I want to host it on International Pilot’s Day which next year will be on the 26th of April,” Serete highlights.
The Future of Aviation is Bryte
Speaking on the future of South Africa’s aviation industry, Serete says there is a need for more professionals throughout the industry. She explains that these are skills we really need in South Africa so passionate individuals must work hard and be determined.
“For anyone who wants to be a pilot or anything in the industry, my advice would be to get a mentor. Find someone who knows aviation or else come find us at Bryt Future Aviation and we will help you,” Serete concluded.
