The Kingsmead sisters on work, play, balance, and working with siblings
Corri, Kim and Gayle are sisters with a purpose … and a drive to get it done. They run Kingsmead Shoes together as a family team … and as sisters, there are some unique dynamics and advantages that come into play and contribute to the success of the enterprise.
“Growing up in the same family environment, we have similar values and beliefs which I feel help us reach a common goal in the business. We also have a strong sense of loyalty and trust in each other which sets a solid foundation for the business,” says Corri, who heads up the HR Department
Managing Director Kim, who also handles the Purchasing Department adds to that. “We obviously know one another very well – our strengths and weaknesses. When you know one another so well, you know intuitively when someone needs backup or assistance, or you can call on them when you are needing some of the same. The backup is always there, no questions asked.”
“And we all have very different personalities and strengths which enable us to focus on specific areas within the business,” says Gayle, who completes the sister trio and who is the Merchandising Manager.
Being a woman in business still has its challenges, and the sisters can attest to that.
Corri says that it’s not easy working full-time and being a mom. “It can be tough as I still want to be involved in my boys’ day-to-day life so I make time to do a couple of weekly lifts and watch their sport, but it does mean playing catch-up with work. I am lucky to have a great support network made up of family and friends who help me out.”
Kim says that it took some time before she was able to change the perception that she wasn’t capable of being MD when she took over from her father.
“They didn’t want to take me seriously.”
“Juggling work with the needs of my family, especially my children, is always a challenge, which I think most working women can relate to. I am lucky to have a very supportive husband who takes the reins on my monthly work travels,” says Gayle.
Prioritising your personal well-being and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while managing a successful business is hard for most people. Corri, Kim and Gayle share some of their secrets.
Corri says that she struggles with it at times as her family life is really busy. “However, I do make sure that I give myself some downtime, whether it be as simple as reading, walking my dogs, weekends away with my husband and boys and seeing friends.
Kim also makes sure to make time for herself. “It is easier now as my children have all left home. I go to gym, Pilates and have power walks with a friend, which is not only good for the body but helps me clear my mind and deal with stress.”
Gayle has her own rhythm. “I think mental health is very important. I try to look at things from a cup half-full perspective and don’t sweat the small stuff. Life can knock you down sometimes, but you must get up, look at the positives and move forward. My faith, family and friends bring me great joy in my life. You only have one life to live. Enjoy it! Having a good walk with my two dogs is about as active as I am at the moment, but I am on a mission to change that, however, I am always on my feet visiting all the stores, so I am counting that as steps for now.” She laughs.
Managing conflict and maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and professional relationships with each other is important in a family business.
Corri shares how they do it. “We are siblings so we have grown up knowing when one of us is under pressure and needs a helping hand. That goes with work and our personal life. We’re just honest and open with each other.” Kim agrees. “Honesty is always the best policy, and communication – trying to keep everyone in the loop.”
“A family business poses a great challenge in dividing work and personal life. We don’t know anything different; the business has always been part of our lives. We have a strong, protective bond with each other and are always open and available to talk through any conflicts. Our late mother instilled a great sense of family bonding; she was our rock and sounding board so now we rely on each other. As sisters, we don’t buy each other gifts but rather spend time with each other by going on a Spa day or weekend. When it comes to work life, we relate to each other purely from a professional point of view so our personal life does not interfere with our work life and vice versa,” adds Gayle.
Asked about any significant milestones and achievements that they are proud of as a family business and how they celebrate those milestones and motivate themselves to keep growing, Corri says, “I must admit, Covid and the looting were huge challenges for us. They affected many of our Kingsmead families, and it was tough trying to keep everyone positive as well as keep the business going. However, we stuck together and came back stronger. For me, this was a great achievement, and I am proud and thankful for our employees for trusting in us during such difficult times.”
Future goals and aspirations for the family business
“We want to keep growing, open more stores and become a leading footwear retailer in the marketplace,” says Corri.
Kim agrees and adds, “We want to become a recognisable brand in the retail space.”
Gayle has high aspirations … “to continue to open new stores and become South Africa’s number one fashion shoe store in the country, to have a positive impact on our staff and their lives as well as help to uplift our communities.”
Corri then adds “In regard to carrying the legacy of our business through to future generations, I feel we have a strong foundation in place, so if we continue to build on that, then hopefully, future generations will take the Kingsmead legacy forward.”
Kim is hoping they continue to build a strong team that will be able to take their business forward so the legacy continues, and Gayle’s dream is that the next generation will be as passionate about the business as they are and will continue to grow it from strength to strength.
Take a look at the great styles and what’s on trend for Summer by visiting www.kingsmeadshoes.co.za
