President of the Umhlanga Women Achievers (UWA), Robyn Meloni, shares her personal journey with the non-profit organisation and the impact it’s had on her life.
Thirty years ago, Helene Griffiths, a business owner from Umhlanga, started a coffee club in the hopes of connecting small business owners and providing a safe, supportive space for women. She never imagined that the group would grow into what is now the Umhlanga Women Achievers, a non-profit networking organisation that hosts regular events for local women and is still going strong three decades later. Current president Robyn Meloni explains that there is a real sense of support and recognition within the group, which has come to include mostly small business owners, but also a diverse range of professionals, from lawyers and estate agents to finance professionals and wellness experts. This provides a rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge for its members to draw from.
I’ve become more confident, and I’ve learned so much about leading and supporting others.
ROBYN’S JOURNEY
Robyn’s involvement with UWA began in 2018 after she left her corporate job to start her own business, Striving Mind Promotions, a company that specialises in corporate clothing and gifting. Her first networking meeting was a daunting experience, but she was struck by the supportive environment that UWA provided, especially for someone just starting out as an entrepreneur. “Everyone was so welcoming,” she says, “I was so anxious, but I quickly felt at home.”
She joined the committee in 2020 and was soon voted in as president, a role she has embraced wholeheartedly. “From a personal growth perspective, it’s been amazing,” she reflects. “I’ve become more confident, and I’ve learned so much about leading and supporting others.”
THE HEART OF UWA
The core purpose of UWA is for women to grow together. One of the most significant events on their calendar is the Achiever of the Year programme, which celebrates and acknowledges the achievements of small business owners. This programme encourages self-reflection and recognition, which Robyn describes as a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth. “It’s a lovely way to pause and take stock of what we’ve done and how much we’ve achieved,” she explains. The organisation also hosts monthly events that feature guest speakers who share their expertise on business-related or wellness topics.
LEAVING A LEGACY
As a mom of three young women, it’s important to Robyn that she sets an example of resilience and commitment. She strives to show her daughters the value of perseverance, even when faced with challenges. “One of the things I’d like my girls to remember is that I show up, even when things are hard,” she says. She wants her daughters to see that it’s possible to balance personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on the community and she works hard to show them that strength, dedication and a supportive network can lead to success and fulfilment. “I am proud to be a part of a close community of likeminded business owners,” she says. “It’s about preserving a positive culture, leading, representing and sharing our narrative.”
Details: www.umhlangawomenachievers.co.za; 060 801 0251; president@umhlangawomenachievers.co.za
