Cathy Newton

Managing Director of WIREWORLD South Africa

 

Where are you from, and where have you currently settled?

I am a born and bred Capetonian and wouldn’t dream of living in any other SA province!

 

3 words that your friends would use to describe you?

Inspiring, Supportive, Loyal & Reliable

 

What is your big, audacious dream? (that sometimes keeps you awake at night). If you are already living it, please share.

I am already living it! I always knew that I would have my own business one day. However, I am still working towards my retirement dream of owning a small holding outside Durbanville (where I grew up).  I would set up a few businesses on the plot namely; a family-oriented destination venue for weekends. My hubby (an avid 4×4 enthusiast) would set up a course and offer 4×4 training. I would pot around in my furniture restoration workshop, bringing to life old furniture classics and selling them through my onsite restaurant.

 

Can you share how your journey in your current career began, and what drew you to it?

Growing up in a large family of either finance (accountants) or healthcare  (nursing or social work), having a passion for design always made me feel a little different. I was also always interested in making my own money and from a young schooling age, I made jewellery that I sold to retail outlets and at markets. Later, I made hand-painted décor lighting, not knowing that would be the industry I would end up in today.

After school, I obtained a diploma in Interior Design and went on to work for numerous corporate retailers as a Homeware buyer. It was always my goal to have my own business by age of 30. In 2011, that dream came true after purchasing Wire World from its long-standing founder. At the time, Wire World was only manufacturing a range of lighting. With my homeware and furniture experience, new product categories were introduced, resulting in Wire World now offering a wide range of interior décor products.

 

We all have different versions of what success means to us. What does success look and feel like to you?

Most people attribute success to a monetary value. For me, success is cultivating a home/work/family balance. Something I have not mastered the art of yet, but it’s a work in progress….

 

What does your morning routine involve? Please share how you start the day?

My family will agree that I am not a morning person! I am at my most alive and productive in the evening, and as a result, end up forcing myself to go to bed at some unreasonable hour, inevitably leading to oversleeping and a rushed household in the morning.

My 9-year-old, therefore, took it upon himself to start setting his alarm and waking me up with coffee in the morning. He also gets breakfast ready, easing the load on my morning routine.

After waking, I like to sit and catch up on the news on my phone whilst enjoying my coffee. Thereafter, while getting ready for work & school, I like to listen to some of my favourite podcasts by Steven Bartlett, Dr Eric Berg, Simon Sinek, Michael Knowles, Jordan Peterson and the likes thereof. I find these give me motivation for the day.

 

What is the thing you enjoy doing the most, (not business related and why?)

During the start of COVID, I developed a keen passion for Genealogy, with the intention of tracing my “Newton lineage” – something which I know very little about. This has led to many hours spent online building my family tree, many hours spent researching the aisles at the Western Cape Archives and my joining the Genealogical Society of South Africa (GSSA).

In addition, I embarked on a Natural skincare, cosmetic & supplement journey. I was spending a small fortune each month and decided to explore making my own using natural products. This has grown into making for friends and family, which has ultimately led to my registering a business and purchasing a web domain “The Balmistry”. Nothing has been launched as of yet, but there are lots of plans in the making.

 

Is there a woman who stands out to you, who really inspires you? This can be someone in your close circle, or someone you don’t know personally. For example an author or podcase host, or other.

Deborah Meaden, a British businesswoman, who boasts numerous accolades and is probably most well known for her appearances as a ‘Dragon’ on the UK TV program Dragons’ Den. I admire how much she has achieved all whilst maintaining an incredibly strong work ethic.

 

What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?

“You don’t have to be perfect to be a leader.” – Jennifer McClure

 

What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?

Contrary to what people think, I am actually an introvert and need “me-time” and solitude to decompress.

 

What personality characteristics do you love about yourself?

On a personal level, I am incredibly loyal to my family and friends and have cultivated a close-knit network of lifelong relationships as a result. 

On a business level, I am very grateful to be balanced in my left and right brain hemispheres. Although my passion resides in the creative & design arena, I am also strong at organizing, reasoning, and logic – a positive attribute for any business owner.

 

What is your greatest strength, and how has it helped you in your journey?

I am incredibly resilient; it takes a lot to break me. I have experienced many adversities as a female entrepreneur and have always bounced back stronger than before.

 

What does self-confidence mean to you, and how have you cultivated it?

Self-confidence means having a strong belief in one’s abilities, judgment, and self-worth. I also don’t believe it is something that we are born with, unfortunately. It takes years to achieve. Start by setting small, attainable goals, and gradually increase their complexity over time. Each accomplishment will boost your confidence.

 

What are you most proud of, in your business and / or personal life?

I am a self-made businesswoman. I received no handouts in life ,and everything I have was obtained through hard work, integrity, and good business ethics. 

I am also incredibly proud of my 2 x young boys. Both being neurodiverse, and children of 2 x self-employed parents, they are such talented, intelligent boys and have the most incredible nature. I do not doubt that they will succeed in life. 

 

If you could share a piece of business advice for someone starting out, what would it be?

Stop seeking approval from others in both personal and business life. 

A wise old man once told me, “Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity,” interpreting don’t let your ego drive the numbers. Your take-home net profit is far more important than gross turnover. Start small and manageable, and don’t grow too big too quickly. 

 

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Don’t let your past define you. Acknowledge that the mistakes in your past helped you prepare for what’s ahead. Set clear goals and boundaries (in work and in personal life). You know what you want to achieve, so keep your eye on the end goal and don’t let people and circumstances easily distract you. And remember to always embrace your exclusivity! 

If you have a website link, please share.

www.wireworld.co.za 

How did you feel being photographed? And what feelings emerged when you saw your portraits for the first time?

Working with Monica was amazing! I truly underestimated the amount of fun I would have spending the day with her in her studio. Being a person who generally does not like being in the spotlight, the days leading up to the shoot created a lot of anxiety for me. However, Monica made me feel completely relaxed and at ease. It was also interesting viewing my portraits (myself) through a camera lens and not my reflection in the mirror. A reminder that one should stop being so self-critical.