Pride Ndlovu - Founder of Own It Developers, Zimbabwe

Aug 28, 2024

Please tell us your name, where your business is located and what is it that you do?

My name is Pride Ndlovu, and I am from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.I am the founder of Own It Developers. We offer website design and development services.

Tell us about how you got started.

After attending a training session on starting and sustaining a business, I realized that almost everyone in the room did not have a website. This was a wake-up call for me to start a website design agency. However, upon further investigation, I found that many people do not fully understand the concept of having a website. To address this, we not only develop websites but also sit down with clients and provide consultancy services. We have found that approximately 90% of our clients want a website solely because they saw their competitors having one, rather than understanding the true purpose and benefits of having an online presence.

What makes your company unique?

At Own It Developers, we offer custom-developed websites. We believe that no two companies are the same, even if they provide similar services. Our target audience is small businesses, and we aim to give them the opportunity to have a website and become part of the global village.  

No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?

During the COVID pandemic, our business was still in its early stages, and we were trying to understand and penetrate the market. The challenges posed by COVID-19 made us question whether we had made the right choice, as most clients were hesitant to invest in our services. We had just invested a significant amount of money in setting up Own It Developers. When the COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, we found ourselves back to the drawing board, without any clients. To keep our business afloat, we had to restrategize, focus on marketing, and raise funds from our own pockets. Our breakthrough came when a past client referred another client to us; this referral turned out to be the biggest opportunity we had ever received.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

To me Success is when the business is able to operate and function without the owner having to micro manage everything.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

At Own It Developers, we are working on introducing three new products to our portfolio: 1. Gadgets tracking 2. Live stock tracking 3. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) services As the world continues to digitalize, we recognize that some aspects will take more time for businesses to adopt, such as financial reporting. Our goal is to guide our clients and provide direction as they navigate the digital transformation of their operations. By expanding our product offerings, we aim to become a comprehensive solution provider for small businesses looking to establish an online presence and streamline their processes. Our new products will cater to specific needs in asset management, inventory control, and enterprise-wide integration. As a customer-centric company, we are committed to staying ahead of market trends and anticipating the evolving needs of our clients. By introducing these new products, we hope to position Own It Developers as a trusted partner in the digital journey of small businesses, helping them adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

The day we no longer face problems in the world will be the day we can sit back and relax. Until then, let’s continue creating solutions and spreading hope. It is never too late to pursue your dreams and do what you love.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

There is no easy way to answer this, but sometimes one must avoid taking work home. If you do bring work home, it’s best to do it after everyone has gone to sleep. Remember, money can never buy back lost family memories. You only live once, and days pass by quickly.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

going? “It’s one of those things,” says Pride Ndlovu. If I don’t do it, no one else will do it for me. 

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

Google Products and WhatsApp Business.