Durban Small Business Podcast

What does it take to build your own identity inside family businesses? In this episode of the Durban Small Business Podcast, Luke Holden and Mia Acutt, Operations Manager at Acutts Real Estate, explore her journey from a small town to helping lead one of South Africa's longest-standing family real estate businesses. Mia shares her unexpected career path, from studying, working aboard to eventually...

What does it look like to slow down before your body forces you to stop? Aneesa shares how Float Wellness was started by her late husband, Saleem, after discovering floatation therapy through research and taking the leap and brought the experience to Durban. She reflects on her own journey into Body Stress Release, what she learned about stress, stored tension, and the importance of creating space...

What does it mean to build a small business that holds space for people during life’s hardest transitions? We get to talk with Claire De Sylva, founder of Claire’s Concepts, to explore how her work helping families declutter and relocate is about far more than organising homes. Through her business, Claire helps people navigate difficult life moments such as loss, downsizing, relocation, and major...

What if the strongest businesses aren’t built around profit, but around people first? What does it look like to build a business that is sustainable, profitable, and deeply impactful? Cindy shares how Pro Talent began with just R2,500 in the bank and about the early challenges she faced in the recruitment industry. We also explored Cindy’s personal story, including the mentor who helped her see th...

Most businesses don't start with a strategy, they start with a problem. In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Clark, founder of The Harvest Table, to explore how a personal health crisis became the foundation for a disciplined, purpose-driven business that now impacts families and communities across Durban. Who is Catherine Clark? Catherine Clark is the founder of The Harvest Table, a KZ...

Small business marketing is shifting from campaigns to conversations. In this episode, we unpack how long-form content, conversation-driven marketing, and trust-based marketing strategies help small businesses grow in today’s digital and attention-driven economy. We discuss why traditional interruption marketing is losing effectiveness, how attention has become more valuable than data, and why lon...

What happens when a city in crisis sparks a movement of connection instead of fear? In this episode we sit down with Durban entrepreneur Callum Oberholzer, founder of Black Box , OpenSeat , and the Durban Crisis Map . We explore how his team built a tool in 36 hours during the 2022 floods, and how that effort has grown into the Community Resilience Map. We also look at how food, technology, and AI...

Shortform content might get attention, but longform builds relationships. And relationships are what grow businesses. In this episode, Luke Holden, Founder of Kythe Creative , sits down with Mawanda Maphumulo, founder of Creative Replay and host of The Creator Concept, to unpack why longform content is the most powerful branding tool small businesses are ignoring and how to start using it today. W...

Trust is the foundation of every great team — but it starts with you. In this episode, leadership coach Katherine Bekker-Smith breaks down how conscious leadership, self-awareness, and understanding your strengths can transform the way you lead and the way your team works together. A practical, human conversation for any business owner ready to grow from the inside out. In this episode we touch on...

How do you build a business rooted in healing, purpose, and real human connection? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Visser, co-founder of Live Smart Nutrition , to explore how personal loss and a passion for helping others inspired one of Durban’s most impactful wellness brands. Luke opens up about his journey from struggle and uncertainty to building Live Smart — a business designed to help...

What happens when leadership starts with people first? Founder Richard Talbot shares how a care‑centered approach, integrity, and culture built GoFourIT into a resilient IT company. We explore leading by example, turning hardship into growth, empowering teams, and removing tech anxiety so businesses can focus on what matters. Hosted by Luke Holden. Time Stamps: 00:00 Who is Richard Talbot? 05:24 T...

Meet Dillon and Prinola Murugan In this latest episode of "The Durban Small Business Podcast" as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dillon and Prinola Murugan, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who are making waves in the worlds of education, personal training, and digital storytelling. Hosted by Luke Holden, this episode shines a spotlight on their incredible story, showcasing the pass...

🎙️ Discover the Heart of Marketing and Empowerment with Charlene Udal as we dive into the world of marketing and community empowerment with Charlene Udal, one of South Africa's first Certified StoryBrand Guides and the Founder & Owner of BrandHeart Marketing. 🌟 Charlene, a born and bred Durban local, embarked on a journey to transform the marketing landscape for SMEs. With over 12 years o...

📚 Helen recently published a book titled "Your Pain Playbook," aimed at helping people living with persistent pain manage it on a daily basis. She shares her motivation behind writing the book and how it ties into her commitment to improving the lives of those dealing with chronic pain. 🌱 Tune in to gain valuable insights into occupational therapy, chronic pain management, and the intr...

🎙️ Join us in an inspiring episode of the Durban Small Business Podcast as host, Luke Holden, sits down with the remarkable Dylan Cairns, the driving force behind Suitable Focus, all the way from Cape Town to our Durban viewers! 🌟 Uncover the journey that led Dylan, a 28-year-old Marketing Manager at Redstor, to become the CEO of Suitable Focus. Discover the roots of his passion as he shares his...

We have an inspiring episode for you as we sit down with DeafKidz International's CEO, Debra Clelland. After two decades in corporate work, Debra found her true calling in this meaningful role. As a mother of three girls, including one deaf daughter, she is driven by a passion for connection and empowering Deaf children worldwide. DeafKidz International International operates in low-resource s...

This is the second part of an inspiring journey, we delve deeper into the world of Harris Creations. In this episode, we continue exploring the life of Joel Harris, the visionary behind Harris Creations, a company that crafts exquisite and unique furniture pieces. The conversation highlights the crucial role of building community in both personal and business growth. Joel shares his experiences of...

We had the privilege to sit down with Joel Harris, founder of Harris Creations, a bespoke furniture company. Joel takes us on a journey from his childhood, influenced by his grandfather's woodworking passion, to the present day, where he creates high-end masterpieces for his customers. After leaving his job in 2017, Joel went full-time with Harris Creations, making custom furniture from wood,...

Desiré Rees specializes in upskilling team members in the Veterinary profession, focusing on enhancing interpersonal skills ranging from stress management to leadership and conflict management. Her training programs are designed to equip individuals with the tools and techniques needed to engage more effectively and navigate various professional challenges. As a coach, Desiré creates a safe and su...

We sit down with Daniel Marsh, the founder and director of Marsh Fidelity, a company specializing in deceased estate and fiduciary services. In this heartfelt interview, we discover Daniel's genuine passion and care for the services he provides. Through his own personal experience of losing his mother and brother at a young age, Daniel has transformed his pain into a life's purpose of help...

We got to sit down with Simon Grainger, a renowned brand strategist and founder of Simon Grainger Consulting. Join us as we explore Simon's journey and dive into the world of personal branding, messaging, storytelling, and purpose. Discover practical strategies to craft a standout personal brand, captivate your audience with compelling narratives, and unlock the power of purpose-driven busines...

Craig Charity, owner founder and owner of Lineage Coffee in Durban, South Africa, is a true coffee aficionado. With a commitment to excellence, Craig and his team strive to deliver an exceptional coffee experience to their customers. Beyond his expertise as a coffee professional, Craig is known for his warm and welcoming personality, making every visitor feel like part of the Lineage Coffee family...

Dr Carra Walters is a highly motivated and inspiring individual who is passionate about animal well-being and committed to critical care. She is the owner of Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital in Hillcrest, KZN and heads up a team of enthusiastic colleagues. In addition to running her veterinary practice, she has also become South Africa's UltraPetVet for the local animal food brand - UltraPet. Thi...

In this episode we get to sit down with Anya, the founder of 'Layered,' a sustainable fashion brand that was inspired and born in our beautiful city, Durban, South Africa. Originally from England, Anya now resides in Malmesbury, Western Cape with her family. As a homeschooling family for nine years, Anya's transition to traditional schooling sparked her love for creativity and sewing,...

Jeanne Brookes is a Durban entrepreneur that started Durban's favourite donut outlet from the ground up a little over ten years ago. From outsourcing the donuts, exploding on the Durban scene to having Krispy Kreme move into town - Wicked Donuts has build a brand that is loved by the people of Durban. In this very honest conversation we talk about the following: * Jeanne's Background * Sta...