Our monthly Immigrant Entrepreneurship Newsletter features some of the incredible immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta that we support, like entrepreneurs and Thembi and Nkululeko Danisa and their business Big Foot Logistics Inc. We spoke with them about their business and their journey as immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta.
Q. What is your background?
A. Our family moved to Canada in September of 2010 from South Africa, excited and looking forward to new adventures. That spirit has not left, every morning is an opportunity to make it a better day and forge ahead to realizing that dream.
Q. Tell us about your business and what it does.
Big Foot Logistics Inc was founded in 2018. It is an owner-operated transport company established to service the oil field industry of northern Alberta. However, we see that this market is vast and it’s just waiting to be explored.
Q. What motivated you to start your own business?
Nkululeko, my husband, has always been passionate about trucking. His passion has immensely impacted his life, and the Alberta economy has fostered the idea of him not quite fitting in the classic 8-5 job. It was just a matter of time before he worked for himself.
Q. What are you most proud of? What is your biggest success?
We built the business from scratch. We had no inheritance, no backups. Purely, just blood, sweat, skill, and the people we meet along the way. We are at a point where we realize that we are in it to win it.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge as an immigrant entrepreneur in Alberta?
Sometimes, passion, perseverance, and research does not cut it. You need to know people in the right places to give you that one shot at it. The absence of networks or networking can be such a deal-breaker.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge in light of COVID-19? How have you had to pivot your business?
COVID took everyone by surprise. Honestly, a year later, I am not sure if we have figured it out. However, I know that those that have tried are still standing, and we are one of them.
Q. What has the pandemic taught you about you and/or your business?
We have learnt that no two people are strong for each other at the same time. We have grown so much as a couple and as a business. Clear goals and objectives are critical for any relationship or organization as they help you go through rough seasons.
Q. What advice would you share with other immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta who want to start or grow their own business?
You can go as far as your capabilities can take you, take that leap of faith and risk, that is what entrepreneurship is all about. Have clarity, consistency and extreme commitment to the end goal. Do not be afraid to knock on doors, you may never know which door will open.
Q. Why did you decide to apply to join a Peerpreneur Session?
I am curious like that, and I know too well that people’s testimonies’ are valuable lessons to others. I joined in to learn.
Q. How has your experience with the Peerpreneur Program been? What have you learned about you/your business?
The team I was with was diverse and very knowledgeable, and I know lasting relationships were birthed.
Q. What’s coming up next for you?
We have a business plan, and we have painted a vivid picture in that plan. We want to be known as an SME that has defied all the stereotypes.
Q. Anything else you would like to share?
I want to encourage other entrepreneurs never to stop dreaming. Be the business that makes things happen.
Where you can find Big Foot Logistics Inc:
Big Foot Logistics on Instagram
