Sue Rutherford

Izimvo would like to introduce Sue Rutherford.

The inspirational Sue Rutherford is not only a single mother of two teenage boys but also the founder, director and inspiration behind The Forge Web Creations, a successful web development company based in Cape Town.

The Forge Web Creations: http://www.theforge.co.za
Blog: http://www.justbcoz.co.za/headspace/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cow_grrrl
Location: Cape Town

Sue was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Meet Sue Rutherford – 38 year old owner of The Forge Web Creations in Cape Town and mom to 2 gorgeous teenage boys.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m chronically afraid of spiders. And getting old. I have double jointed fingers and I make most of my own jewelry. Movies are wasted on me – I forget them before I even walk out of the cinema.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Well, I haven’t had a holiday for 5 years but until I can (hopefully in June/July next year), I’m quite happy to regroup on my own at home, with a good book.

Business in South Africa

Q: As a South African entrepreneur, what advice you would offer would-be entrepreneurs wanting to start their own company?

A: I’d have to say: “Go for it!” There are so many opportunities available to would-be entrepreneurs in South Africa and ever-increasing support for new business owners. I honestly believe that taking your destiny into your own hands and creating your own future by doing something that you totally love and believe in is the key to work fulfillment.

So many people are stuck in jobs that bore them to tears, whilst only dreaming of following their passions – I think that’s a terribly sad and fearful way to live. Each of us owes it to ourselves and everyone around us to follow our dreams.

Q: How do you keep the balance between home and work life having offices at home? Aren’t you occasionally tempted to sneak off for a quick afternoon nap or to check that last email?

A: Ah, that’s a tricky one! Sometimes I’m very tempted to work long hours, but I must admit that I don’t have the same energy that used to fuel me round the clock a decade ago. Over the years, I’ve learned to listen to my body and if that means I need to nap in the afternoons, then that’s just what I do! It’s pointless for me to try and be productive if I’m exhausted – I’d rather take a short time-out to snooze and then hit the ground running after that.

Q: What are the biggest frustrations about running a technology company in South Africa?

A: I would have to say the high costs of bandwidth and telecommunication services, together with skills shortages and economic restraints that make it extremely difficult to trade on a global scale.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, crime has affected our lives but fortunately it hasn’t been too serious. I wouldn’t say that it’s changed my perception of our country – I’ve always thought that our level of crime was high, and I’m constantly extremely cautious.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I’ve never considered emigration, no. I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else in the world. I don’t think moving to another country would guarantee a life without problems, only different ones.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I’d do whatever I could to ensure that criminals were dealt with more effectively, particularly rapists and murderers. Castration and the death penalty come to mind. I’d introduce financial incentives to control population growth and allocate a lot more money to education.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Table Mountain the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route.

Life in Cape Town

Q: Given a very special occasion and price not being an issue, which restaurant in Cape Town would you most want to be taken to?

A: I’ve heard that The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek is outstanding! I wouldn’t mind a taste of fine dining.

Q: If you had to choose a quick getaway for a night, not more than an hours drive from Cape Town, where would you land up?

A: I would drive up the east coast and pop in at Betty’s Bay. It’s a stunning holiday spot with beautiful beaches, the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, and plenty of affordable accommodation.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Hah! Well, if I haven’t managed to take my holiday next year, then it’ll have to be that. Otherwise, I’m going to throw a huge party!

Q: Which hobby do you wish you had the time to start or spend more time on?

A: I wish I had time to paint. I’m rather good, you know =)

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Apart from offering some essential financial lessons that don’t get taught to kids in school, the book also explores the important topic of our thoughts shaping our lives.

Q: Favorite South African band? Have you seen them live and do you own at least one of their albums?

Q: I’m going to get flamed for this: Prime Circle. Yes, I’ve seen them live at a My Coke Fest and I’ve got 3 of their albums.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I would love to read about award-winning South African author, SA Partridge. She’s had 2 novels published – The Goblet Club and Fuse.

We’d like to thank Sue for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and The Forge Web Creations all the success for the future.