Today we draw our inspiration from Abigail Machoga, born in Limpopo. Abigail is an Honours in HR graduate who established an NGO called ABIGAIL PAUL NETWORK. She also owns a company called EncorVeq Holdings that provides services such as Life Coaching, Leadership Development and Mentorship.
My name is Abigail Machoga and I was born and raised in Limpopo. I attended my primary school in Jacob Puka and then went to high school at Mphunye High. I was always eager to go to university and study for the career I loved and I always had the eager to travel and study further in other countries.
What were the challenges and great things about growing up?
Growing up was great and challenging at the same time, I always had the eager to finish school, go to university and then get a job. But sometimes the way we plan our journey is not how it turns out mostly. I grew up without good financial freedom but my parents always worked hard for us to have a better future.
Your career? What is it that you do? What inspired you to do what you do?
I graduated with a Degree in HR 2014 and got an internship afterward but that did not last long as it had to end. A year later I enrolled for Honours in HR which was very great and fulfilling journey to enhance my knowledge, then I graduated for my Honours and I could not get a job, but that was a wake-up call for me to stand and actually work hard to be an employer. I registered my company called EncorVeq Holdings (Ltd) which provides services such as clothing designs, interior designs, and HR consultation. I had to follow my calling as a Pastor which was very tough, but that did not stop me from achieving my goals. I became a full-time Pastor and a full-time business owner.
Later on, I registered an NGO called ABIGAIL PAUL NETWORK, it is an organisation that deals with growth as a whole for all genders. It provides services such as Life Coaching, Leadership Development, and Mentorship.
What do you like most about yourself and the work that you do?
What I like about my self is that I am a goal getter and a hard worker… I take time to learn and listen to those who have already made it. I never stop learning.
What are some of the challenges which you’ve faced and how did you overcome them?
When I started my company I needed lots of equipment such as machines but I had no budget to buy those, I had to cut costs on buying clothes etc. I made a goal that every week I would budget an amount of R1000 and put it aside. It was very depressing but today it paid off. I used to be told I won't do it because I’m young and businesses are not easy, used to be laughed at when I was doing presentations for my vision but today I can see all the hard work. Dedication and love for what I do kept me focused.
What are some of your life highlights for you so far? What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my vision and how other people can be motivated when they see the hard work I put myself up for, I can look back and smile for the sleepless nights, standing up long day trying to get contracts. I am proud that I didn’t give up when I got rejected for my vision and I am proud that rejections kept me up all night working hard to build my vision.
What, in your opinion, are the most important factors to keep in mind to make it in your career or life in general?
No matter how hard it gets just never lose focus, always remember why you started with your career or your business. Always market your business without being desperate… You can still make it without making noise about it, it is all about your plans and implementation. And always ask the right people for help, we all need help at some point to understand things better.
Where would you like to see yourself in the next three years?
In the next three years, I see myself having a big corporate place for EncorVeq Holdings Pty (Ltd) and of course owning my own TV Show for ABIGAIL PAUL NETWORK.
If there was anything you could do differently, what would it be?
I could run a TV Show called “Help a Graduate” I mean, there are many graduates in South Africa that are sitting and they cannot get help. I know what it feels to seek for employment and actually not succeed. And also I would encourage young people to get to businesses and really work hard on them.
Are there any specific people or organisations that you look up to and draw inspiration from and why?
I look up to Pastor Pushie Watson, she is a great Leader and phenomenal woman who works very hard. I look up to organisations such as Bathu SA, the business was founded by a man from Soweto and it has become successful with great partnerships. It shows that You must never undermine your Visions.
Are there any inspiring projects which you’re involved in?
Yes, I am busy with APN event which there will be an event for Women on the 22nd September 2018 and I am also doing a project for Young Entrepreneurs in Marketing.
Lastly, what advice would you give to others out there looking to follow in your footsteps?
I can say that every dream is a working process, focus on your own lane and work on it without trying to copy someone else. Do what you are passionate about and never quit. Put hours on your vision and Grow everyday
How can the public contact you?
Email: abigailmach@gmail.com
Twitter: @abigailpaul_mach
Facebook: Abigail Paul
Instagram: @abigailpaul_Mach
