What I wish I had known: Business growth lessons from LusPin Clothing Manufacturers
Growing a business is one of the most rewarding, but also one of the most stretching journeys any entrepreneur can take.
When Pinkie Luswazi-Hlengisa started LusPin Clothing Manufacturers, her passion was strong, her vision was clear, and her determination was unwavering. But what she did not yet understand was that passion alone cannot build a sustainable business.
Over the years, through successes, setbacks, reflection, and rebuilding, Luswazi-Hlengisa has learned lessons that continue to shape how she leads, builds, and grows. “This is what I wish I had known when I started,” she says.
1. The mistakes I made while growing my business
Like many entrepreneurs, I entered the market driven by passion and purpose. However, enthusiasm without structure quickly becomes overwhelming. In the early stages, LusPin lacked solid systems, clear processes, and disciplined financial management. I also underpriced my products simply because I did not fully understand costing or the value of the garments we produced.
Another challenge was trying to do everything myself. Instead of building a capable, skilled team, I carried too much alone, which slowed growth and resulted in burnout. In collaboration, I sometimes chose partners based on familiarity rather than shared values, vision, and long‑term commitment. These decisions led to setbacks that ultimately forced me into a season of pause and reflection.
That sabbatical became one of the most important phases of my journey. It revealed how my internal limitations (unresolved hurt, fear, and self‑doubt) had affected my leadership and decision‑making.
Lesson 1: Passion without structure is exhausting and delays growth.
Lesson 2: Alignment must be intentional and long‑term.
2. How I overcame these challenges
My turning point began with inner work. I invested deeply in self‑development and self‑mastery, learning to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and leadership blind spots. Addressing personal wounds restored my confidence and helped me lead with clarity and purpose.
One of the most impactful interventions was joining the Small Business Academy (SBA) at Stellenbosch Business School, where I gained tools to structure my business, understand financial management, and develop as a leader. This experience inspired me to pursue a Postgraduate qualification in Leadership Development, which strengthened my decision‑making and strategic thinking.
Alongside my team, we began implementing proper systems, building structure, and undergoing technical training through a QCTO‑approved college. This training (focused on costing, productivity, quality, and machine mechanics) has improved our production capability and prepared us for larger opportunities.
Today, I continue to embrace coaching, mentorship, and guidance. The more I allow myself to be taught, the faster the business grows.
Lesson 1: Growth begins with self‑awareness.
Lesson 2: Guidance accelerates progress.
3. The shift that transformed my business
I now see LusPin as more than a passion project; it is a business that requires structure, strategy, and sustainability. Once this mindset shifted, everything else began to align. Our value proposition became clear: Garment construction + Skills development + Enterprise development.
I grew intentional about the people I build with. Today, I choose collaborators who share LusPin’s values, vision, and commitment. I also stepped back from doing everything myself and now focus on systems, leadership, and long‑term growth. As a result, our team is confidently taking on bulk production opportunities (something that once felt out of reach).
Lesson 1: Clarity brings direction.
Lesson 2: The right people help the business grow.
4. Lessons on governance, funding and market expansion
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that ‘structure builds credibility’. Becoming QCTO‑accredited and working toward ISO 9000 alignment has strengthened trust with clients and partners. I also discovered that funding comes when the business is ready (not simply when there is a need). Preparation, quality, customer understanding, and strong systems position a business for growth.
Lesson 1: Structure attracts opportunity.
Lesson 2: Growth requires planning and preparation.
5. My short and sweet advice to entrepreneurs starting out
- Start where you are but build with structure from day one.
- Understand your numbers: costing, pricing, and cash flow.
- Be intentional about partnerships and collaborators.
- Invest in personal growth because your business is a reflection of you.
- Stay open to learning, adjusting as you go, and seeking support when you need.
Lesson 1: Build correctly before you build big.
Lesson 2: Your personal growth determines your business growth.
6. How Standard Bank has supported my journey
Standard Bank has been part of my story for over 30 years personally and more than 20 years in business. Their recent sponsorship of the SBA (an intervention that changed my leadership and business direction) is deeply appreciated. Through platforms like this, they continue to open doors, create networks, and support SMMEs on their growth journeys.
Lesson 1: Partnerships deepen over time.
Lesson 2: The right support creates opportunities for many to grow.
Key takeaway
Building a business requires strategy, determination and a plan. Your passion alone won’t give you the pillars your business needs to stand upright on its own. Processes, systems, building networks, self-development and more can play a part in shaping the success of your business. Just because you think you have a solid business, you must continue to learn new ways to stay relevant and in control of your business.