It took years before Tilanie Grote could stand in front of a room full of strong and successful women without feeling completely terrified. Now, at the helm of this same group of trail-blazers, she’s tearing down obstacles and spearheading change in KZN’s business sector.
Perhaps better known by those who’ve encountered her as a no-fuss, magic-making portrait and lifestyle photographer, Durban North’s Tilanie Grote is also making waves among female entrepreneurs as the newly appointed chairperson of KZN Women in Business (KZNWIB), a non-profit support structure for women, and a forum for fostering relationships, building networks, exchanging business knowledge and, ultimately, helping women and their businesses grow.
Tilanie, a self-confessed dog lover, travel junkie, very irregular yogi, wine drinker, avid reader and fan of crime series and animated movies, joined KZNWIB more than eight years ago, to ‘find her tribe’ – a group of women with the same questions, difficulties and mind set. As the mother of a then seven-year-old daughter, Kenia, and wife to her photographer husband Anthony, Tilanie got way more out of the organisation than she’d bargained for.
“Being part of KZNWIB has changed me personally and professionally. I won’t lie, I was completely terrified and intimidated by the incredible women I saw in the room the day I first joined, and it took a good few years before I could do my elevator pitch without feeling faint, but, I was also inspired by them.
“Over time I found a group of amazing women who I now draw inspiration from, look up to and can call my friends,” says Tilanie, adding that networking is so much more than just meeting once a month for breakfast.
“This is an organization where you can learn, grow, get mentored and find support. It is a place where you are never alone in what you are going through when it comes to your business and personal life.”
As a creative and passionate photographer who thrives in this very memory-making industry, Tilanie admits to being easily bored – she’s worked in catering, hospitality and more. For that reason, she works hard at ensuring that no two days or photoshoots are ever the same.
“In one week I can photograph a business owner for personal branding, a cake smash for a one-year-old, a 20-strong family, an awards ceremony or a couple with their dog. I used to do a lot of maternity and new-born sessions but now that my daughter is older, these shoots no longer feel right’,” says Tilanie, who now focusses on the business sector as an industry where there is always something new to learn.
“Did I mention I like variety? LOL! I like to get involved with charity where I can. I’ve been involved with The Robinhood Foundation for many years, and have helped Puppy SOS and a few other rescue organisations – I just love dogs – with photos and fundraising for about 10 years.”
As the chair for KZNWIB, her role is to steer the ship, as the women before her that made the organisation the success that it is today, of one of the longest running women’s networking organisations in the province.
“We’re turning 29 this year, and since I am so passionate about supporting local businesses, my goal for my tenure is to grow the organisation in membership and switch things up a bit and see where we can help and support our members best.
And just how does she juggle home life, a teenager, a full time career, charity work and still find time to lead an extensive network of businesswomen and executive decision-makers with a database of 1 700 women that continues to grow monthly?
“Coffee dates and meditation. I’m fortunate that my career affords me the freedom of time and to do life on my terms. Still, life can get hectic. One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is that we cannot control every outcome,” says Tilanie who adopts the motto ‘it is what it is’ when things go awry.
“There’s a lot of good in accepting and accommodating situations that are beyond our control. When I need a moment to breathe, I love walking with my dogs or on the promenade, meditating or reading a good book. Coffee dates with my friends are like therapy – fun and self-care bundled into one. And you can never go wrong with a quick and easy homemade bacon and chicken pasta with lots of garlic, parsley and feta and a glass of wine – literally, it is food for the soul.”
Details: You can follow Tilanie on FB: tilaniegrotephotography or IG: tilaniegrotephoto or visit tilaniegrote.co.za and kznwib.co.za
Tilanie’s nuggets of wisdom
- Look after the golden goose – that is you – and your life and business will be on a much more even keel
- Have systems in place
- Hire correctly and hire your weaknesses
- Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries
- Keep learning and growing
- Ask for help
- Always trust your gut feeling
- You are allowed to fire clients
- No is a complete sentence
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you and have your back
- Take risks. Don’t be scared to be terrible at something new
- Progress over perfection. Small steps daily
- Collaborate with peers
- Gratitude – always!
- Stay authentic. Be true to who you are and to your business’ values
