Wrapping up Women’s Month With Entrepreneur: Londy Mazwide

It is not every day you get to be in conversation about all things events planning and design with an internationally renowned celebrity wedding planner & event designer like Londy Mazwide!

Londy Mazwide  is known as one of Africa’s top and sought-after wedding & event designers, and as a prominent entrepreneur within the heart of Durban, she is Imbokodo.

Londiwe is a firm believer in constant self-improvement, and still attends events management master classes: “You need to have clear direction for your business – I can have all the equipment in the world, but without fresh new ideas on how to use them, I’m going to sink”.

As the Founder of Andimahle Building Events, she has planned & produced approximately over 300 weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations locally and internationally. Mazwide emerged as a trailblazer. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and refusal to succumb to gender-based limitations shattered the glass ceilings that once constrained aspiring female event planners.

Mazwide’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on the event planning industry. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for women around the world, reminding them that their dreams are valid and achievable, regardless of societal norms.

As we wrap up Women’s Month, we got an opportunity to speak to the queen, regarding her business and some advice for the ladies.

Can you share a bit about your journey and how you got started as an entrepreneur?

I started working as a caregiver in the UK for 4 years, came back to SA, and worked as a PA to the SCM manager for Dept of Agriculture later resigned to start my own business (Andimahle Building Events) This year marks 15 years in business. My entrepreneurial journey has been challenging but because I’m passionate about my business I’ve been going from strength to strength. It has taken time to be where I am.

Women’s Month is about celebrating women’s achievements. What do you believe is the significance of this month in today’s world?

Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month, where we pay tribute to more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

This year 2023 marks the 67th Anniversary since the March. Again, we are reminded to celebrate how far we’ve come and the power of fighting for our rights as women.

In the business world, we are encouraged to take up space and contribute to the economy of South Africa

“We should be teaching young girls to take up space. Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself”.

It is such a great honour to be a woman in this era, we 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 each other, we 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 with each other but mostly we aren’t 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 but rather coming together to build each other.

Why do you believe it is important to uplift each other more than compete?

It is important to empower each other as women. That way we can achieve so much when we are focused on helping each other, compared to seeing each other as competition. Real women thrive in winning. My win becomes another Woman’s win. The key here is being confidence in yourself makes you less competitive with other women.

In what ways do you believe your achievements have contributed to empowering women in your community or industry?

My business has contributed to empowering other women. The events industry requires one to outsource services from other companies, for example catering services, floristry etc. I make sure that I partner with women owned companies where I can.

How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with other aspects of your life?

Entrepreneurship requires one to multitask while finding the balance is vital. Despite being a businesswoman, I am also a child of God, a mother to my three children, a child to my mother, a sister to my siblings, and I guess having to switch between these roles in life is not easy. I believe you must find the balance and make it work. I also try to have fun while working because the industry requires so much from me as a person.

Could you highlight a particular accomplishment or milestone you are proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

Whenever I get nominated to then receiving an award, I stop and look how far I’ve come. Whether I win or lose makes me reflect on my journey because it hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it.

You have a beautiful daughter and as a powerhouse yourself, why is it important to extend the batten to our daughters?

Thank you for such a compliment, I am proudly my daughters role model and she tells me this everyday. I am also grateful  that she does not have to look outside for inspiration. It is very important to extend the batten because, the foundation has been built already, it’s easier for her to inherit what I’ve already built. Every day I make sure that my daughter understands the Power of a Dream and how it feels to accomplish your goals. Having said that, I understand that she has her own goals, but I’m glad she knows that whenever she wants to take over the business, she is more than welcome.

What initiatives or projects are you currently working on, and how do they tie into the spirit of Women’s Month?

When being an entrepreneur, there is always something on the pipeline, that you want or desire to achieve. For me, it’s owning my own wedding venue, I’m not in a rush, but I know it will eventually happen one day and I trust God.

Who is your core entrepreneurial mentors within the industry?

I look up too many international wedding planners and I follow them, while checking their work daily using social media platforms example, Mindy Weiss, who is the Event Planner for the Kardashian’s.

As a successful entrepreneur, what advice do you have for other women looking to start their own businesses?

My advice to women who aspire to be in business is to pursue business. It’s not an easy journey, but as long as you have a vision, it is doable. Starting a business is exciting but running it requires one to be resilient and focused. Don’t ever fall prey to the stereotypes of what a successful businesswoman is and looks like. Stay in your own lane at your own pace.

Londy Mazwide has elevated the role of event planning to an art form. Her journey from a novice with a vision to a beacon of empowerment serves as a testament to the boundless potential within every woman who dares to dream. Through her legacy, Londy inspires women worldwide to step into the spotlight, shape their narratives, and craft experiences that resonate for generations to come.

Looking ahead, the ripple effect of Londys work promises a future where women in event planning continue to rise and shine. As her initiatives continue to thrive, her vision of a more inclusive and diverse industry becomes more tangible.

With a keen eye for detail and unique event designs, Mazwide is the perfect planner for couples who dream of a truly memorable wedding. Whether it’s a grand affair or a lavish dinner party, she surprisingly makes each wedding feel like a dream come to life. ✨