A day in the Life of Terri Murdoch-Coyle

I have been blessed with many wonderful opportunities in my life so far and as the owner of SW1 Luxury Guest Retreat, SWONE Beautique Beauty Spa and JennaVIVA Lifestyle & Home Concepts | Boutique Eatery, my days are exciting, busy and creative — what more could I ask for?

As the owner of JennaViva and SW1 and with more projects coming up, your day to day life is far from average! What would you say a day in your life consists of?

I definitely don’t have a 9 to 5 routine or a predictable one! I am a very busy single mother and my first priority is my 12 year old daughter, Jenna, who has a very active school life and as a result I am also very involved at Somerset College. I’m up with the sparrows (the best time of the day) and then it’s go go go from there on. Thankfully I have extremely competent people working for me at SW1 and JennaVIVA and they manage the day to day operations of these businesses. My role has primarily been to conceptualise and develop the concepts, construct them and finance them. So this past eighteen months or so my days have been filled with creativity and innovation – and it’s been wonderful!

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

I love a challenge. I also love developing something from scratch. It is so rewarding to see an idea germinate and grow into something exciting and successful. I also love working with talented and self motivated people. They make my days interesting and rewarding. I grow through having contact with them.

And the worst? (if there is one!)

I can’t really complain about anything I do. But I have to say that with my 2 projects I have had to deal with a lot of red tape to get them off the ground. It’s not easy starting a business and then one is faced with so many bureaucratic hurdles that I can understand why some entrepreneurs give up on their projects. I’m all for doing things properly but my experience with some of the so-called ‘officials’ in office has been disillusioning.

What makes you passionate about your work and projects?

My mentor used to say that I am a master at taking a small (insignificant) job and make it an indispensable one! I am passionate about optimizing potential – whether it be my own or that of others. I also love the fusion of décor, food and people. I am fortunate to have an intrinsic feel for colour and texture and design. I had the best training one could ask for as Merchandise Director of Truworths International. My fashion career took me all over the world. Impressive things I was exposed to have stayed with me and form part of my ‘creative filter’. I find my 2 businesses very stimulating as they are both centered around bringing beautiful products and/or experiences to others.

Who inspires you?

I have to admit I don’t really have an icon that I look up to. I respect and admire people who try to beat the odds, people who work hard, are dedicated to what they do (like Helen Zille!), who don’t accept defeat easily, are gracious and who understand the importance of humility. I am inspired by people who are energized, optimistic, have a sense of humour and who I can rely and depend upon. That’s why I’m close to my family and have a few very select friends who I share much of my time with. I avoid toxic people at all costs.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be involved in your line of work?

If I am speaking to potential employees I would say 'Get your hands dirty, whatever your job. No part of your job should be too menial. You grow by learning all the facets of a task or job, not by observing it. Don’t adopt an entitlement mentality. Work consistently and hard and you will get the recognition you deserve'.

For prospective entrepreneurs I would say ‘SA is a very exciting place to be right now. It’s not predictable or easy but when you get involved with new projects or businesses you feel alive. Your talent and contribution is vital to making this country vibrant'.