By Roux van Zyl

The property market may be taking a nose dive, but East London businesswoman Xoliswa Tini believes it is the right time to roll her business out nationally.

This bold move coincided with the re-launch of Xoliswa Tini Properties’ corporate brand at a function at Nahoon Beach last week.

Tini said the new corporate brand – which is centred around an X made up of smaller ethnic designs – was an attempt to benchmark the estate agency with the big names in the industry.

'After this re-launch, we want to go even bigger. I plan to go national,' she said.

The energetic entrepreneur started her business in East London five years ago, and singlehandedly built up an empire that employs 30 people in the city alone.

Her agency has grown to include offices in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Mthatha, which collectively employ another 17 people.

'Our Port Elizabeth office is about to be revamped to a more corporate look, and we want to buy premises and put up a visible office in Cape Town.

Her next step is to open offices in Queenstown and Durban.

Asked about the timing of her expansion plans, which come just as the country’s property market is taking a downturn, Tini said it was all about having faith and being visible.

'We are never quiet and always have buyers. I t’s all about being positive. There is still growth potential (in the property market).'

But Tini, who is known for driving a white Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet, said her roots were actually in the “dusty street of Burgersdorp'.

'People don’t know where I come from. I am born from a family of six and I’m the firstborn of four girls. I come from the dusty streets of Burgersdorp, a place stricken by poverty and people who are not well educated.

'But my mom, who was a domestic worker, brought us up with love and taught us the importance of hard work. She also taught us to invest in people, because the people around you bring you where you want to be.' Tini said she was blessed to start her business in East London.

'Here is huge potential for growth. The town is pregnant with wealth, especially wealth in people.

'When I first came to East London, I asked myself: ‘How could people stay in such beautiful houses?’ I was fascinated by big houses, especially those close to the river because, in our culture, you should not be close to the river at night. Out of curiosity, I got into the industry.' One reason for her success as an estate agent, said Tini, was her ability to learn fast and to copy the best in the industry.

Some people at the function also compared her with another national property mogul, Pam Golding, who also has her roots in the Eastern Cape.

'It’s our roots in East London that have put us where we want to be. That and the fact that I’m a hard-core leader, and I want people to work,' Tini said.

Source: Daily Dispatch