#CareerFocus With Saskia Emary Owner of Uncanny Food -

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

As a 65-year-old businesswoman, I find great joy in being with the people I love and in cooking. I have a passion for bringing the two together. Despite my strong Dutch heritage and deep love for the Netherlands, I was born and bred in the Free State and consider myself very proudly South African. My family means the world to me and their support and active involvement in my business endeavours have been invaluable.

Outside of business, I dedicate my spare time to serving on my church’s parish council and playing the piano during services. I also take great pleasure in spearheading the organisation of our annual fundraising fete, cherishing the opportunity to give back to the community.

2. What work do you do?

We specialise in the supply and distribution of a wide range of dairy products including milk, cream, cheese, and eggs, as well as refreshing juices and more. Our clientele spans across various sectors including restaurants, hotels, schools, and businesses, ensuring that they have access to high-quality and fresh ingredients to meet their needs. With a focus on reliability and excellence, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch products to our valued customers, consistently exceeding expectations in every delivery.

3. How long have you been in the industry?

My working career started in the big corporate world – SASOL, American Air Filter & Sulzer Bros to name a few. After relocating from Johannesburg to Cape Town, I decided to take a leap of faith and go out on my own. I started my own small bookkeeping business and did the accounts for small companies. This gave me wonderful exposure to several industries.

I worked in Film & Media production, Car Workshops, Interior Designers, Iron Mongers, and Fashion and Shoe Shops. In short a very varied portfolio of customers. My introduction to the FMCG environment was when I was approached by the then Taste of Japan to help sort out their accounting processes. I enjoyed working in this environment and, therefore, when I was approached in 2011 by a mutual business contact to help sort out the accounting processes at Uncanny Food – I didn’t hesitate.

After a few months, I was asked to stay on as the General Manager whilst still juggling my portfolio of customers. I eventually gave up on my customers to devote myself completely to Uncanny Food. In 2018 the owner wanted to retire and I bought him out of the business. The rest they say is history.

4. Has your work always been your passion?

I’ve always found fulfilment in keeping busy. My passionate nature drives me to invest myself fully in whatever I do, whether in work or leisure. However, my greatest passion lies in bettering the lives of others; for me, it’s not just about financial gain but about providing opportunities for others and seeing people succeed in their journeys.

Prioritising team building and staff training is always at the forefront of my agenda and I believe wholeheartedly in the value of connection. Recognising the importance of personal and professional development, I ensure that my staff has access to a Life Coach who can support them through any challenges they may face, both in their personal lives and at work.

5. Being a woman in industry – what does it take?

Don’t take things personally. Remember, what others say or do often reflects their own experiences and perspectives, rather than your worth. Additionally, sometimes it helps to “fake it until you make it.” Embrace confidence even when you’re uncertain; often, the act of projecting assurance can lead to genuine self-assurance. Lastly, be daring and inquisitive. Push boundaries, ask questions, and explore new possibilities. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone.

6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?

The most difficult challenge I’ve encountered in my career has undoubtedly been navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of support from both the government and banking institutions added significant hurdles to overcome. Additionally, dealing with the impacts of load shedding and fuel price increases has been incredibly challenging, making it a close second in terms of difficulty.

These external factors have tested our resilience and forced us to adapt rapidly to unprecedented circumstances, requiring innovative solutions to keep our business afloat such as using Webfleet to better manage our scheduling and route optimisation to both improve customer satisfaction and reduce delivery costs.

7. What advice do you have for other women?

For other women navigating their journeys, my advice is to confront every challenge head-on. Don’t let fear hold you back; instead, approach each obstacle with courage and determination. Maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, as optimism can be a powerful force for overcoming obstacles. And above all, never lose sight of your humanity. Stay true to yourself, your values, and your compassion towards others, for it is these qualities that will guide you through even the toughest of times.

8. Plans for the Future?

My plan for the future revolves around stabilising the business, striving to return it to the prosperous days before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I am committed to continuing to create opportunities for others, ensuring that our business remains a vehicle for growth and empowerment within the community.

Biography

Saskia started her working career in the early 1980s working for SASOL in Sasolburg. She then moved to Johannesburg where she took a role in American Air Filter & Sulzer Bros. Saskia later relocated to Cape Town in 1992 where she founded EB Services, an accounting consultancy. In 2011, she started working at Uncanny Food as the General Manager and later became the owner in 2018.

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