While growing up Siyabonga Ngwenya never imagined, not even in his wildest dreams, that designing a poster for a church event would create an ideal stepping stone that would go on to change his life for the better.
Siyabonga, a creative entrepreneur from Zimbabwe’s second largest city of Bulawayo, says a fascination and passion for graphic design sowed the seeds for an entrepreneurship journey that has seen him establish Three Dots Media.
“My journey began in 2023 while in college, where I designed a poster for a church event using just my phone. The positive feedback sparked my passion for graphic design,” says Siyabonga.
“Surrounded by like-minded creatives both in school and at college, I then honed my skills through my Film and TV Production program. This foundation played a key role as it led me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams,” says Siyabonga.
Graphic Design and Media Company
Three Dots Media is a graphic design and media company specializing in visually appealing graphics and branding solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Currently operating as a freelance venture, Siyabonga says the company aims to fill the gap in accessible graphic design services for both local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Since I started my entrepreneurial journey, the business landscape has evolved significantly, with a growing emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and social responsibility. To stay ahead of the curve, I prioritize ongoing learning and professional development, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
“I also leverage social media and online platforms to stay connected with my audience, understand their needs, and adapt my services accordingly. Additionally, I focus on building strategic partnerships and collaborations, recognizing that no business can thrive in isolation.
“By embracing these strategies, I have been able to navigate the changing business landscape, identify new opportunities as well as drive growth for my business,” explains Siyabonga.
Overcoming Challenges
As a young entrepreneur, Siyabonga has faced many challenges, particularly in the print media space. A major mistake he made was when confusing banner design dimensions, which resulted in a costly re-print.
“This experience taught me a valuable lesson: attention to detail is paramount, no matter how small the task may seem. This mindset has helped me refine my processes and deliver high-quality results for my clients.
“One of my most notable successes was collaborating with a branding company to create visually stunning graphics for the City of Harare ZITF stand. As the lead designer, I overcame several challenges to deliver a successful project that exceeded client expectations.
“This experience demonstrated the power of effective collaboration and reinforced my passion for delivering exceptional design solutions,” Siyabonga reflects.
Beyond Three Dots Media
Beyond his work at Three Dots Media, Siyabonga is also involved with Adventist Pulse, a youth-led Christian organization that shares inspiring content through social media, podcasts, and interviews.
“As an assistant graphic designer and production team member, I’m passionate about using my skills to support their mission and spread positivity.
“I have learnt that good things take time, and it is essential to focus on building a strong foundation rather than rushing to scale. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of overcharging customers before they have fully developed their skills or refined their offerings. Not only can this lead to dissatisfied customers, but it can also damage your reputation and hinder your long-term growth.
“Instead, prioritize continuous learning and improvement. Keep practicing, experimenting, and pushing yourself to refine your craft. Invest in courses, attend workshops, and seek feedback from mentors or peers. The more you hone your skills, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities, and the more value you’ll be able to offer your customers.
“Another crucial aspect of succeeding with limited resources is being strategic about how you allocate them. Focus on the essentials, and don’t be afraid to get creative or seek out free or low-cost alternatives. For example, instead of investing in expensive software, explore open-source options or utilize free trials to test out different tools.
“Networking is also vital for entrepreneurs with limited resources. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other business owners or professionals in your field. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorship opportunities, or even access to new markets or customers.”
Emerging Entrepreneurs
To the many emerging entrepreneurs looking to follow their dreams and leave their mark on the business stage, Siyabonga underlines the importance of resilience and perseverance.
“Never underestimate the power of perseverance. Starting a business with limited resources can be daunting and it is normal to encounter setbacks or doubts along the way. However, it is precisely in these moments that you must dig deep and find the resilience to keep moving forward.
“Remember, success rarely happens overnight. It is the result of consistent effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. So, stay focused, stay committed, and most importantly, stay true to your vision. With time, patience, and perseverance, you will be able to overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve your goals.
“A valuable piece of advice that has stuck with me is ‘your network is your net worth.’ This has helped me prioritize building meaningful relationships and surrounding myself with people who support and inspire me along the way,” Siyabonga explains.
