We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacobus Uys and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacobus, how do you think about risk?
The biggest risk you can take is not doing something. That is already a 100% failure rate. The attempt is the success, not reaching the so-called “end goal”. It is something I have battled with immensely, through my climbing, martial arts, and professional journeys. Focusing on starting as the whole point.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am most proud that I specialized in a market. When I started I was conflicted to say no to anything, but being able to focus on a core market has given me the ability to rapidly specialize in my niche, giving me an edge over the general competition, but also make me competitive over the established firms. When there was half an opportunity I grabbed it to its maximum, and tried to leverage that as much as I could, especially the ones that were in my field. There is still a lot to grow into, but I don’t think I’d be as established if we had gone into a generalist approach.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I really enjoy being in the outdoors, so my dream itinerary is sharing that as much as possible – hiking in the mountains, visiting faraway places, or going to the bush and experience nature as it was. South Africa has incredible coastlines, especially the Garden Route and along the West Coast. But of all the wonderful places, going to the Karoo to enjoy the incredible stars and deafening silence would be on my top list. Hiking for a week through the majestic Karoo, where you can connect with your spirit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success lies in my support system, my family, my life- partner- whose whole family are entrepreneurs- but also in people who doubted me. There is huge power in proving someone, myself included, wrong. Initially you feed your own ego, but eventually I let that go and now do it for myself and my team. It transformed. However, all that said, the biggest reason I decided to go out on my own was because of Chris Do, the founder of TheFutur youtube channel. That really kick started my need for independence.

Website: www.blacksable.co.za

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksableza/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacksable/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0L07ciR8lADxI8apAAWrQ

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