Furniture upholsterer: Ronald Du Plessis
Ronald du Plessis started working in furniture upholstery after leaving his long-time position at CeeJays & Sons Electrical Contractors, a family-owned business.
In 2023, Du Plessis made the bold decision to establish Elijah's Upholstery Cleaning Services, leveraging his familiarity with upholstery cleaning and his passion for independence.
Initially operating single-handedly from home, Du Plessis acquired a Puzzi commercial machine and began cleaning couches, mattresses and vehicles.
He gradually built his reputation and clientele through word-of-mouth and social media.
His motivation to enter the sector stemmed from the need to care for his young son independently and avoid the costs associated with childcare after leaving his job.
Building a business
Adapting to the demands of entrepreneurship, Du Plessis not only managed operations but also extended an opportunity to a friend seeking rehabilitation after incarceration, providing employment and support. His week varies depending on client bookings, typically involving intensive cleaning jobs that start early and finish by the afternoon, allowing him to balance work with parenting responsibilities.
One of his ongoing challenges is transportation costs. Nevertheless, he finds satisfaction in the tangible results of his work and takes pride in documenting and promoting his services through self-produced videos on social media platforms like TikTok.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs emphasises starting small in localised markets like Osona or Okahandja, where personal service and client retention can lead to sustained business growth. His story amplifies the importance of self-belief, discipline and perseverance in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, all while striving to make a positive impact through Elijah's Upholstery Cleaning Services.
In 2023, Du Plessis made the bold decision to establish Elijah's Upholstery Cleaning Services, leveraging his familiarity with upholstery cleaning and his passion for independence.
Initially operating single-handedly from home, Du Plessis acquired a Puzzi commercial machine and began cleaning couches, mattresses and vehicles.
He gradually built his reputation and clientele through word-of-mouth and social media.
His motivation to enter the sector stemmed from the need to care for his young son independently and avoid the costs associated with childcare after leaving his job.
Building a business
Adapting to the demands of entrepreneurship, Du Plessis not only managed operations but also extended an opportunity to a friend seeking rehabilitation after incarceration, providing employment and support. His week varies depending on client bookings, typically involving intensive cleaning jobs that start early and finish by the afternoon, allowing him to balance work with parenting responsibilities.
One of his ongoing challenges is transportation costs. Nevertheless, he finds satisfaction in the tangible results of his work and takes pride in documenting and promoting his services through self-produced videos on social media platforms like TikTok.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs emphasises starting small in localised markets like Osona or Okahandja, where personal service and client retention can lead to sustained business growth. His story amplifies the importance of self-belief, discipline and perseverance in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, all while striving to make a positive impact through Elijah's Upholstery Cleaning Services.
