After years working in the business development space, Thandisa Mahe never imagined herself as an entrepreneur, let alone an influencer! But that changed when she realised that too many small businesses were failing for the same reason: a lack of knowledge.
“Entrepreneurship was never the plan. I joined a private organisation that was focused on
supporting co-operatives, and that is where I was exposed to the world of business.
But when I saw how many businesses were closing because they simply didn’t know what to do, I knew I had to act.”
Today, she’s the founder of Wisdom 4 Business, a business coaching and development consultancy dedicated to empowering South African entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, tools, and support. Since 2020, she’s been on a mission to help SMEs build solid foundations and stay in business.
From Business Development to Coaching
With a background in business management, Mahe spent more than seven years working with cooperatives and small businesses. She says what started as technical support eventually became her calling. “I was working with entrepreneurs every day, and I could see where things were going wrong: no systems, no plans, no compliance. These weren’t bad business ideas. They were just unsupported. That’s where Wisdom 4 Business was born.”
Her organisation focuses on business coaching, mentorship, social media marketing, and business development services, all available online to support entrepreneurs across the country.
One thing Mahe is passionate about is giving entrepreneurs access to information, especially when it comes to funding. “There is money out there. The real problem is that people don’t know how to become funding-ready. I use my content and platform to close that gap.”
She regularly shares funding leads and business resources via social media, but she doesn’t just post links; she educates her audience about what funders are really looking for. “You can’t get funding if you don’t have your books in order or a proper plan. I don’t just share opportunities; I help entrepreneurs prepare,” she explains.
Content as a Business Tool
A quick glance at her TikTok or Instagram shows how powerful content creation can be for a business coach. Thandisa uses her platform to connect, inform, and convert. “Content creation plays a huge role in my business. I don’t create just for fun; I create content that solves problems.” She adds that every video or post is inspired by real questions and challenges from the entrepreneurs she coaches.
“We don’t sit and brainstorm content. We listen to our audience. If they’re asking about pricing, that’s what we post. If they’re struggling with marketing, that becomes our next reel.”
Small Business Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, Mahe has seen patterns, and she’s clear on what holds many entrepreneurs back. “Most people don’t plan. They want to start big, don’t manage money well and don’t understand compliance. They don’t keep records. They don’t structure their business properly.”
She says these oversights aren’t just risky; they make the difference between staying open and shutting down.
According to Mahe, successful entrepreneurs share some key traits. “Discipline is everything. You also need humility, because you don’t know it all. Respect for people, communication skills, and a strong work ethic matter even more than a good idea.”
Her Favourite Success Story
When asked about a business that made her proud, Thandisa recalls a woman-led brand that was about to close its doors until they called her. “She had tried everything. I was the last resort. But we rebuilt from the ground up, structure, finances, and compliance, and today, she’s not only running but also funded and growing. That’s the impact of knowledge.”
Business Opportunities She’s Watching
For entrepreneurs looking to get early in their businesses, Mahe recommends focusing on industries with strong growth potential, including green energy such as solar and inverters, e-commerce and niche online retail, agro-processing and small-scale farming, health and wellness, and digital education and tent creation. “There’s so much happening in these spaces. If you can solve a specific problem, you are ready, and you will find opportunities,’ she says.
Mahe has clear advice for entrepreneurs who want to start: “Be consistent. Don’t wait for motivation. Track your money, create systems, and reinvest in your business tools, marketing, and skills. Only leave your job when the business proves itself, not just because it feels right.”
