Saskia Riley
Hello, My name is Saskia Riley and I’m the Founder of The Saskia Riley Network (SRN).
I started my career in the entertainment industry from the early age of four. As a child performer, I could sing as a solo vocalist and started performing at creche concerts and church plays. My career became serious when I found myself performing in front of corporate clients at the age of 12 years old. I won inter-school competitions in South Africa and I was mentored by the very best artist developer in the industry, Mapumba, who opened my world up to the entertainment business.
I always dreamed of being both, an entertainer and entrepreneur! I [recently] found my goal list I wrote many years ago and it said: start your business, as you will only be recognized in the industry as a world-class performer if you understand your brand!"
Entrepreneurship came naturally to me, like breathing! There were some extremely challenging moments; however, I learnt to love the discomfort of it. [You have] to understand that this journey is only for the brave and you have to get used to being the first to say, try, or do things.
After [my initial] three years in business, my desire was to study entrepreneurship to ensure that I make this journey successful. My mom couldn't afford it at the time but I added it to my goal list anyway. Three years later, I was contacted by False Bay College as they have an entrepreneurship incubator program available - I was called in and was offered a study bursary to study worth R100 000.00. I saw what I wrote down on my goal list FLASH before my eyes! I am now a part-time student whilst growing incredible businesses around me - it feels like a dream come true.
Company Name: The Saskia Riley Network
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Operating since: 2018
Company Instagram & Twitter: @thesrnetwork
Tell us all about your company. What service do you offer?
My strengths lie within personal brand development, where I have created a consultation agency suited for the entertainment, sporting and corporate industry. The Saskia Riley Network (SRN) thrives on three pillars:
Communicate effectively within your network and understand the strengths of your network, as well as its weaknesses.
Become an Opportunist
Lead Authentically
I have a team of trendy professionals in Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing who lead by example, as individual reputations are the reflection of the client’s brand, and as we believe that the power of the team determines the success of the brands we produce. Our clients are my favourite people because they trust me with their careers! From TV presenters, like Mishka Loesch to comedians like Lunga Tshuka, and to International Makeup Artists like Keagan Cafun, you must learn to understand your personality and brand it!
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset?
I am a self-taught entrepreneur (aren’t we all). I spent three years studying on my own. I attended every seminar there was in Cape Town, learnt every single aspect that makes up a business person and adopted the nature easily. Personal Development has been a very strong part of my journey, even as a kid, so I'm not shocked as to where I am now. As an early teen, my mom used to leave a book for me to read it was called, "Mind Power". I struggled to grasp everything at the time; however, what stayed with me was "Everything is mind over matter". When I hurt myself as a child, my mom would say, it's mind over matter and she would distract me. I grew up knowing that I control my thoughts, which means that I control the outcome of my future and that's how I structured my business module:
Personal development: Every individual who desires success needs to understand and grasp what success feels like in their mind and the responsibilities it comes with, along with the emotional intelligence it takes. I had a passion for growing authentic leaders, as I was put in many leadership roles as a teenager, as a youth leader, a female choir leader, as an NGO facilitator in my own organization called TopKids. I remembered the challenges and how I had to set an example for the rest - always.
Brand development: Only talent does not make you successful. So many others are talented too - the challenge is, are you going to make sure that you are SEEN? Strategy - and understanding what leadership position you could be in, is part of the process and should be understood from the beginning. They should know your name before you start performing, not just after - you can do this through business.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company? Always.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
I had many challenges around me, the reason I say around me is that I was sheltered by my imagination (my grandparents, mom and family helped me with that). One of the challendes was that I needed someone to be there for me that would put me first and someone who saw my vision - not many people did. So, I thought, how could I be there for public figures on this lonely journey? There was something that I needed and it was a TEAM! I needed a strong team that grew my vision.
Do you consider yourself a success?
I consider myself a success even by just waking up with a purpose every day.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Absolutely. My grandma, who is the cheekiest, most real-woman I have ever known; my mom, who is such a survivor and takes on challenges like a BEAST! My aunt, who always improves on her growth in her career and believes that you need to set a good example for those around you. My step-mom (who has passed), who taught me how to nurture relationships with my siblings and do everything with love.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
Oh yes! I'm studying as an entrepreneur and will be entering many competitions in South Africa in the entrepreneurship division. This year is the year of the AWARDS. I am planning to win every single one of them this year to reach my goal - the Forbes Women 30 under 30 list in South Africa. I also have TV and podcasts happening for which The Saskia Riley Network will be the Executive Producer.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses as a personality first, then as a business. Learn how to build a team, as you can't do it on your own.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Brave
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..."
To make an impact in society and to be recognized for it.