Born and raised in East London, South Africa, Saneliso Mavuka embodies the resilience and creativity that define her journey. With a background rich in academic excellence, including an NDip in Public Relations Management, a BTech in Public Relations Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE), graduating Cum Laude and now pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education at Vaal University of Technology, Saneliso’s path has been anything but ordinary. From over a decade in the media industry to founding Protostar Consultancy during the uncertainty of a global pandemic, her story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.
For Saneliso, storytelling has always been more than a career; it’s a passion that bridges businesses and audiences, even in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The name Protostar, symbolizing the process before a star is born, mirrors her entrepreneurial spirit—a journey of persistence, learning, and growth. Starting with a dream to help small businesses amplify their voices, she’s now carving a niche in PR, branding, and media solutions, while empowering others through mentorship and education.
“My journey has been one of discovery, passion, and resilience,” Saneliso reflects. “I’ve always been captivated by the power of storytelling and its ability to shape brands and perceptions.” The pandemic was a turning point for Saneliso. “It forced me to rethink traditional approaches and embrace digital strategies,” she says. “I think more than anything, COVID-19 triggered that desire, as my company was born during that time.”
The Birth of Protostar Consultancy
Starting Protostar Consultancy was one of the most significant milestones of Saneliso’s life. Navigating through the early stages of establishing the business, from legal registrations to finding her niche, was a challenge that she is still figuring out even today. “We learn every day,” Saneliso says. “The name ‘Protostar’ is symbolic of the process that takes place before a star is born. It represents the journey of growth, transformation, and illumination that I am on.”
Saneliso’s desire to start Protostar Consultancy was driven by a desire to assist small to medium-sized businesses who often struggle to tell their stories effectively in an increasingly digital world. Many lack the resources to compete and get media presence. “I started Protostar Consultancy because of the desire to try assist particularly small to medium-sized businesses who often struggle to tell their stories effectively in an increasingly digital world,” Saneliso explains. “Many lack resource branding to compete and get media presence.”
Starting a business in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, was influenced by several factors. Many individuals were motivated by necessity, such as job loss or economic uncertainty, prompting them to explore entrepreneurial ventures as a means of income stability. “Starting a business in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, was influenced by several factors,” Saneliso says. “Many individuals were motivated by necessity, such as job loss or economic uncertainty, prompting them to explore entrepreneurial ventures as a means of income stability.”
Protostar Consultancy offers a variety of services, from event management to skills development. Saneliso hopes that one day, it will become one of the leading media hubs in PR and Communications. “Currently, Protostar Consultancy specializes in a few things,” Saneliso says. “We offer supply and delivery, help organize events for corporates, PR branding, media solutions tailored to empower small businesses and talent, and training and development.”
As the business landscape continues to evolve, Saneliso has had to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. She prioritizes continuous learning, networking, attending development programs, and workshops that help her build her company. “The business landscape has become incredibly dynamic, with technology driving rapid changes in how we engage with audiences,” Saneliso notes. “Social media and influencer marketing have become essential points, and I’ve adapted by incorporating these elements into my strategies.”
One of the biggest challenges Saneliso faced was securing work, especially post-pandemic. She also had to balance her 9-5 job in radio and media with building her business. “Balancing my 9-5 job, as someone in radio and the media space, can be quite daunting,” Saneliso admits. “Additionally, building a trusted network of clients in a competitive industry is a challenge on its own.” However, Saneliso remains optimistic and focused on her goals. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of persistence and adaptability,” she says. “Things come together when you stay consistent and don’t give up.”
Saneliso’s most notable success stories include collaborating with local artists in the Vaal to build their brands from scratch. She has also worked on several events for government entities, helping them secure media coverage and making their events memorable. “Seeing the growth of the artists and knowing that Protostar Consultancy played a role in their success was incredibly rewarding,” Saneliso says. “Another milestone was working on a couple of events for government entities. We helped them secure media coverage for their initiatives, which led to an increase in awareness while making their events a memorable experience.”
Mentorship and Empowerment
Apart from her work with Protostar Consultancy, Saneliso is passionate about empowering young women who aspire to enter the media and PR industries. She mentors students and plans to start mentoring a small group of girls under the umbrella of her company. “Women empowerment is very close to my heart,” Saneliso says. “I have noticed the gap, mostly in the area I am based in, and I want to do something about it.”
Saneliso’s advice to small businesses or entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry with limited resources is simple: “Start where you are and with what you have. Start small and focus on building meaningful relationships. Networking is key in the PR and media world, and collaboration can open many doors. Just start, the rest will find you.”
Looking to the future
As Saneliso looks to the future, she is excited about the rise of AI tools in content creation and analytics. She is also working on launching Protostar Consultancy’s official website.
“The most significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience,” Saneliso reflects. “I am new in the game, and there is still so much to do and learn. I am enjoying every moment.”
Saneliso’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the impact one person can have on their community. As she continues to grow and evolve as a business leader, it’s clear that her star is only just beginning to shine. “I am proud of what I have achieved so far,” Saneliso says. “But I know that there is still so much more to come. I am excited to see what the future holds for Protostar Consultancy and for me as a business leader.”
With her passion, resilience, and dedication to empowering others, Saneliso Mavuka is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of entrepreneurship and beyond.