This Women’s Month SME South Africa will celebrate South African women entrepreneurs, pioneers and innovators. Join us as we highlight their successes, sacrifices and struggles. Follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at #SMEWomenInnovate.
“I get up every day and go to my office or travel for work because I know that what I am building, and that the legacy I want to leave behind will not be achieved in a day,” this internal drive is what wakes up the very ambitious media and communications entrepreneur, Allegro Dinkwanyane.
The 27-year-old Dinkwanyane is well on her way to becoming one of the biggest names in media and public relations. She is the founder of a 100% black-owned public relations company, Orgella Media, which she launched in 2011 when she was just 21-years-old, after obtaining her journalism degree from the University of Johannesburg.
“My plan was always to get the degree and then be self-employed, I had no plans to work for anyone else, in fact I have never submitted a CV in my life!”
Her company which started out as an entertainment blog, specialises in brand management, they produce social media marketing and public relations (PR) campaigns.
Her company represents celebrities in the entertainment industry, including South African singer and songwriter Donald Moatshe, TV presenter Siya Mdlalose and fashion designer, Paledi Segapo. They also do work for corporate clients such as Avon South Africa, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, and the Johannesburg-based Poppy’s Restaurant. The company also has a charity and property division.
This year, Dinkwanyane reached an impressive milestone when she made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She is dubbed by the magazine as the “poster child” of social media, who “makes a living from telling stories of the rich and famous.”
“I celebrate my success but I don’t allow myself to get caught up in the ‘I’ve made it’ Syndrome”
Not one to shy away from the spotlight, she has also taken on opportunities in front of the camera and microphone as an entertainment reporter for Trace TV, and one of the biggest radio talk stations in the country, Talk 702.
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Want to know what drives Dinkwanyane? She talks to SME South Africa about wanting to inspire change and her response to haters.
On Creating Her Own Path
I created my own experience. I interned at different companies from the age of 19 before I launched my company. I read a lot, I did a lot of research online to equip myself with the necessary knowledge to put me a step ahead of others.
Don’t wait for someone to give you an opportunity, create your own.
On Skeptics
I have been blessed with friends, family and fans that genuinely love and support me. I also experience the greatest love from people who barely know me.
Whenever I encounter someone who is trying to pull me down, I remove myself from that kind of energy. I don’t associate with people who don’t believe in their own dreams, because the only person who would be so focused on pulling another down is a person that is not in their own lane working on themselves.
So my advice to anyone who finds themselves in such a situation would be that they work away, pay no mind to the naysayers and keep on working hard.
On Being Named Among Forbes Africa 30 Under 30
The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 listing came as a surprise. It is an honour to be recognised by one of the world’s most influential business magazines, that for me means that I am moving in the right direction.
When you literally mind your own business! ☕️
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It also means that there is a lot more work to be done, to keep inspiring change, entrepreneurship and philanthropy amongst the youth. Over the years my company has been profiled on several media platforms and now adding Forbes Africa to the list puts us in the forefront of our industry and has already opened up more business doors for Orgella Media.
On The Size Of SA’s Entertainment Industry
Our industry is growing and so are our celebrities. It’s not Hollywood and maybe that’s a good thing. There’s enough room for everyone to work hard and make it.
On How She Manages Her Public Persona
I live a genuine life even on social media. What you see is what you get! I choose to share about my business and a bit of my personal life to inspire someone out there. I believe that my followers follow me because I keep it real.
Basically, if you are not fond of Christianity/God, hard work and consistency, don’t like foodie posts, inspirational quotes, a bit of fashion, music and Usher, you have no business following me. You might want to stay away from my social media pages.
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On Feeling Like She Has Made It
I celebrate my success but I don’t allow myself to get caught up in the “I’ve made it” syndrome. I keep it moving because there’s so much more to be done and achieved.
On Who She Identifies With
Olivia Pope with a hint of Mary-Jane and a whole lot of Allegro!
On Advice For Other Young Entrepreneurs
I’d advise them to be realists. Set realistic goals, work hard, be consistent, build a solid team, stay focused. Prayer and hard work have never failed me.
On Giving Back
Orgella Media ia a holding company with eight entities including the charity foundation Orgella Helping Hands (OHH). I launched OHH in 2011 as an NGO and this is an organisation of young people who lend a helping hand to the orphaned, homeless and underprivileged.
Our goal with this foundation is to spread God’s love and show the needy that they are not forgotten. It’s something that we love and enjoy doing.
