In a world where entrepreneurship is often associated with risk and uncertainty, Nelly Paulser’s journey stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a passion for innovation.
From humble beginnings, she carved out a path that would eventually lead her to become the founder of Graphic House Zim, a multi-award-winning company that has become a benchmark for excellence in Zimbabwe’s design, printing, and branding industry. Her story is one of taking risks, overcoming challenges, and building a legacy that inspires many across Africa.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Nelly’s entrepreneurial spirit manifested at a young age when she began her first business venture by tutoring students in Mathematics. “My journey as an entrepreneur first started when I was still young and immature,” she says. The earnings from these lessons became the capital for her next venture: buying and selling cooking oil during a tumultuous period in Zimbabwe’s history, when shortages of basic commodities were rampant. “After the first real shaking of our economy in Zimbabwe, we experienced a lot of shortages of basic commodities. That’s when I ventured into buying and selling cooking oil,” she recalls.
This experience exposed her to the challenges of operating in an unstable economy but also ignited a fire to innovate and persevere. Over time, she experimented with several businesses, some of which succeeded, while others failed dismally. “Some of my businesses did well, and a lot of them failed dismally,” she admits. These early ventures taught her invaluable lessons that would later define her entrepreneurial journey. Today, she is at the helm of Graphic House Zim, a thriving business that offers a diverse range of services, including graphic design, paper and digital printing, events decor and branding, exhibition design, corporate gifting, and much more.
Creating a legacy
The creation of Graphic House Zim was born from a deep desire to create a legacy. “Desperation to have our own legacy caused us to start our business,” Nelly explains. Together with her husband, Ray, who had garnered a stellar reputation in the design and printing industry, she identified a glaring gap in the market: the need for high-quality design and print services. “This was an industry my husband Ray had worked in for years and grew a great reputation in,” she adds.
Their shared vision led them to establish a company that not only filled this gap but also redefined industry standards. Nelly’s decision to train under the South African School of Weddings was pivotal, as it equipped her with the skills to diversify their offerings and expand into the branding space. “Honestly, this pushed us to offer a standard of work that companies don’t normally receive in the local market,” she says. Today, Graphic House Zim stands as a testament to their dedication, serving as a one-stop shop for clients seeking top-tier design and branding services.
One of Nelly’s most remarkable milestones came when Graphic House Zim was entrusted with constructing and branding exhibition stands at one of Zimbabwe’s largest exhibitions. “For me, that was a chance not just to exhibit our construction and branding skills but a chance to test our work ethics, our integrity, and our ability to deliver what was initially pitched on a 3D design,” she reflects. This project was more than just an opportunity to showcase their capabilities; it was a moment to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the potential of African businesses on a global stage.
The stakes were high—clients from the United Kingdom and India, who had only discovered them online, placed immense trust in their abilities by transferring significant funds electronically without prior personal interaction. “They just found us on the internet and electronically transferred the money we charged them. They had taken a huge risk, but the onus was on us to prove that there are still honest companies that exist online and within Africa,” Nelly explains. Against all odds, Nelly and her team delivered on every front, constructing exhibition stands that not only met but exceeded expectations. This success not only bolstered their reputation but also proved that African companies could match and even surpass international standards.
Navigating Turbulent Times
Operating in Zimbabwe, one of the toughest economic environments, has not been without its challenges. Nelly has faced the harsh realities of a rapidly changing economy, where creative ideas sometimes fail to gain traction despite significant investments. “At times, you can assume a creative idea or concept can work well within your market, but you find that it won’t,” she admits. These experiences have taught her the importance of resilience and adaptability.
She embraces failure as a stepping stone to success, drawing inspiration from leaders like Winston Churchill, who famously said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” and Nelson Mandela, who believed that true glory lies in rising after every fall. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,” she says, quoting Mandela. These lessons have shaped her philosophy, encouraging her to take bold risks and remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
To stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry, Nelly focuses on innovation, customer service, and collaboration. She believes in building long-term relationships with clients through loyalty programs, promotions, and consistent delivery of quality services. “There are now so many players in the industry, but that made us focus more on improving customer service in our business,” she notes. By studying global trends and adapting them to the local market, she ensures that her company remains relevant and forward-thinking.
“We do a lot of studying of trends in different markets, and what we like, we try to learn, get training, and implement it within our market,” she says. Nelly also champions the idea that collaboration is more powerful than competition, leveraging partnerships within Zimbabwe to strengthen her business and create new opportunities. “We have learned that collaboration is more powerful than competition, and it is working well for us,” she states.
Community leader
Beyond her business achievements, Nelly is a passionate mentor and community leader. She dedicates her time to mentoring young women and men across Africa, particularly those in the design and printing space. “I am a mentor for many young women and men all around Africa who are in the design and printing space,” she says, citing organizations like Girls in STEM Trust, Girls Who Print Africa, and the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.
As a youth pastor, she extends her mentorship to the spiritual realm, guiding young people and inspiring them to rise above their circumstances. “I spend a lot of time mentoring youths at my church, and it’s one of the most fulfilling things I do,” she shares. Her mentorship initiatives reflect her belief in the power of education and guidance to transform lives.
Nelly’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Just start with what you have,” she emphasizes. She explains that beginning with limited resources fosters gratitude and an appreciation for every milestone, no matter how small. “Not everyone is privileged to start a business with a lot of capital. It’s actually a privilege to start with less, that way you are able to appreciate every success, no matter how small,” she says.
This grounded approach has shaped her leadership style, which is characterized by humility, respect, kindness, and compassion. She believes that these traits are essential for making sound decisions in both business and leadership. “There are character strengths like being humble, respecting everyone around you, and being kind and compassionate that make you a great leader in society,” she reflects.
Embracing the future
Looking ahead, Nelly is excited about the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in design, which she believes will revolutionize the industry. “It’s really nice to see people wanting to learn more about the field and appreciating the creativity that goes into designing,” she says.
She is also focusing on empowering women, training young entrepreneurs, and mentoring youth in various capacities. “This year, I will be more focused on women empowerment programs, training in entrepreneurship, and design and print for the younger generation,” she reveals.
Reflecting on her journey, Nelly Paulser credits her success to resilience, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. “I’ve learned not to give up too soon and to always seek guidance in areas where I see weakness,” she says.
Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not about the absence of failure but about the courage to persevere. Through her work with Graphic House Zim and her mentorship efforts, she continues to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in their communities. Nelly’s legacy is one of transformation, proving that with determination and vision, anything is possible.