1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
The Next Chapter Studio is a holding company based in Langebaan, South Africa, managing a portfolio of women-led lifestyle and empowerment brands. These include Tilevera (home décor), Hey Casey! (fashion tech accessories), Sox and Jox (custom gifting), Silly George (personalised pillows), The Co-Op (a co-working hub), and The Next Chapter (The Next Chapter empowers women with coaching, events, wellbeing resources, leadership development, networking, and co-working, a supportive community for every stage of their journey).
The business focuses on providing creative, accessible solutions that empower economic independence and entrepreneurial access for women and families across South Africa. Additionally, Tara Transform is a coaching and consulting agency supporting women-led social impact organisations, particularly across Africa, with strategy and leadership development.
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
Tara Transform was registered in 2001 and became a full agency in 2016. The Next Chapter Studio was founded in 2023 to support women’s wellbeing and leadership, with a particular focus on women in midlife. The e-commerce business was acquired at the end of 2022, and the brands under the studio vary in age, with Hey Casey! starting in 2016 and newer brands like Tilevera and Silly George launching after 2020. Each brand has been scaled intentionally to match its growth potential and social impact.
The motivation for starting the business stemmed from a desire to create spaces and brands that reflect the realities, dreams, and power of African women. The founder wanted to offer products and platforms for flexible earning and creative expression, especially for women, and to work in a way that supported her purpose and single-parent lifestyle.
3. What is your role in the business?
Founder of The Next Chapter Studio and Tara Transform, overseeing strategy, brand development, and coaching. I am involved in managing special projects, team communications, client relations, and content creation. My role is hands-on, with a focus on leadership, innovation, and community-building.
4. Where did you study, and what did you study?
- Master of Law (LLM), UNISA
- BProc. LLB, University of the Western Cape
- Post-graduate Diploma in Business Administration, GIBS (University of Pretoria)
- Post-graduate Certificate in Coaching, University of Stellenbosch Executive Development
- Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, Damelin Management School
- Introduction to Deep Coaching Using an Embodied Coaching Approach with the Enneagram for Transformational Change, Deep Coaching Institute
- Additional Training: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Franklin Covey), Gestalt Organisational Development (Baobab Consulting), B-Tech Project Management (Xpert, EdExcel UK), People Management and Empowerment (Regenesys)
5. How did you finance your business?
I have financed my business mainly from my own funds. I bought The Next Chapter Studio brands with earnings from the sale of my house because I wanted to use that money to build a business that did not need me at a laptop and that would generate income for my retirement. I have also taken out a loan from the bank.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A typical day starts with meditation, quiet time (meditation or reading), and coffee, sometimes combined with exercise. Work may take place at the office or from home and involves planning tasks, managing projects, communicating with teams and clients, and content or coaching work. The workday usually ends around 5 pm, followed by personal time spent reading, knitting, or streaming. As a single parent, I also support my daughter as needed.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
Balancing home and work life is an ongoing effort. I tend to overwork and am mindful about prioritising my wellbeing. I am working on relying more on support systems rather than handling everything alone, having recently sought help from a therapist and my GP during a period of burnout.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I am driven by a deep connection to purpose, the desire to empower African women, and a commitment to building brands that have a positive social impact. I am inspired by women entrepreneurs in midlife who understand the importance of wellbeing over constant hustle, such as Rachel Cook and Natalie Eckdahl.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
Anywhere, everywhere. I am an ideas person, and so new ideas emerge when I am reading, listening to a podcast, having a conversation or seeing an issue that may need a different solution.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
Marketing is centered on visibility through value using storytelling, educational and empowering content, and strategic brand partnerships. Building strong communities is key, with resellers, clients, and collaborators acting as advocates. Each brand employs a digital-first strategy, leveraging online platforms for reach and relatability. Relationship-building is crucial for generating new opportunities.
11. What is next for your business?
The business recently consolidated five online stores into one aggregated platform, aiming to provide more variety and value while improving profitability. The focus is on scaling impact, streamlining operations, and moving closer to profitability.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
- Manage your expectations and be willing to put in the hard work.
- Build the right team and prioritise your health and wellbeing as the foundation for everything else.
- You do not have to prove you are good; you are good enough.
- Embrace failure as a lesson for growth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Short bio
Shireen Motara is an African leader, strategist, and multi-passionate entrepreneur deeply committed to women’s empowerment, economic independence, and social justice. As CEO of Tara Transform, she draws on over 20 years of experience to support women’s leadership, self-awareness, and professional growth through coaching, consulting, and strategic advisory services.
Shireen has worked with the UN, philanthropic institutions, corporations, and NGOs across Africa on gender equality, governance, and sustainability. She is also the founder of The Next Chapter, a dynamic collective of women-led brands focused on purpose, passion, and community impact. Through this platform, Shireen leads and owns:
- Sox and Jox – Fun, personalised socks, jocks, and flip flops that make gifting unique and meaningful.
- Hey Casey – Trendy, customisable tech accessories printed with your own designs or images.
- The Co-Op Coworking Space – A collaborative workspace in Langebaan designed for professionals and creatives.
- The Next Chapter Coaching & Events – A community hub for women offering coaching, curated events, and leadership tools.
- Silly George SA – Confidence-boosting products, thoughtfully curated for South African women
Shireen is a board advisor, mentor with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and co-founder of Young Women Thrive, an initiative advancing economic leadership for women across Africa.
Contact information: Shireen Motara – 071 272 8245 | Masinhle Mack – 071 469 9574 | Social media link: https://www.instagram.com/thenextchapter.co.za
