Florist embraces her bed of roses

Growing up, Mbali Nkabinde (34), dreamt of becoming a Chartered Accountant. 

The life-long goal was achieved when she graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg. 

After working  as trainee accountant, Nkabinde went on on to work for a property management company. 

"While I was working for the property management company, I was really starting to get bored of always doing the same work and I was just not happy. I then embarked on a self-help journey and ended up falling in love with flowers,” she said

Nkabinde began researching and learning more about flowers and flower arranging. 

In 2018 Izimbali by Mbali was established as an online store. Nkabinde believes her being named Mbali, which means flower, may have been prophetic.

"I think for the longest time, the black consumers were looking to support a brand that identified with them,” she said 

In 2020 Nkabinde joined forces with Lerato Mazibuko, her a relative,  to open a physical retail store. 

Nkabinde opened the floral boutique in Kyalami Corner shopping centre in Midrand. She says her style is a clean elegant look and finish which is incorporated in the boutique's design and feel, but also in her floral designs, branding and overall consumer service.

Izimbali by Mbali has over the years increased its staff complement. She also adds that as much as the store needs to be fully stocked to cater to the increased demand, it also needs to be efficient which is part of the boutique's aim to deliver fresh flowers at all times. 

"Entrepreneurship has helped me grow a lot as an individual. I am able to comfortably step up to challenges and overcome obstacles." 

Nkabinde said she had learned a lot since owning her own business, saying it had grow in various areas of her life, like managing her finances and relationship skills in both her professional and personal life. 

Izimbali by Mbali has set its sights on becoming a national brand with walk-in stores in every province. 

Nkabinde said she wanted to positively affect the country’s employment statistics and contribute towards building the country's economy. 

"You have to be in love with the art of floral arrangement. For me, it is always about creating the perfect arrangement for someone's little moments in life, like giving a friend a bouquet to congratulate them on their new home, and being part of something special is a beautiful experience,” she said.   

For more information Visit www.izimbalibymbali.co.za or call 0734583759 for more information.