Today, we chat with Kelly Louw. The woman behind JobCrystal.
If you are a mom who is building a startup or who already owns a business, please get in touch! I want to feature you.
Meet Kelly
Kelly is 36-year-old mom to a delightful little boy, wife to Martin, and a busy entrepreneur.
Kelly says: “My horse, Latin Magic and I have a great rapport together whether we are just having fun or working hard for competitions. Last year in the dressage competition area we came second in the Western Cape Lower Novice and Amateur Championship. My husband and gorgeous son are great supporters.”
As a family, we love the outdoors, hiking, trail running. “Trail running on a wine farm that has horses would be akin to Nirvana for me.”
About JobCrystal
JobCrystal was created in 2009 with one vision — to find the talent that makes an organisation great, effective and efficient.
Over the last 10 years, the company has grown with their team to make sure their clients know they can rely on them to find the best matches for their requirements. Today JobCrystal sources the right talent for industries ranging from IT, Marketing, Financial Services, Call Centres and more.
The team is specialised recruitment consultants with a passion for people. Many are also moms who enjoy the flexibility the company offers that allows them to work where and when it suits their lives. This makes for happier consultants and therefore better results for our clients.
What sets JobCrystal apart?
We are owner-run, and as such we are involved in every transaction, whether it be mentoring or assisting to ensure a successful client journey, making us their preferred, long-standing and trusted recruitment partner.
Our www.jobcrystal.co.za job portal and proprietary technology provides a unique landing page for both employers and prospective employees alike. Our AI matches needs with wants, effectively merging available positions and available candidates.
We go beyond the AI to personally add assistance if required. Truly an industry first! When dealing with top tech talent, it is important that we keep up with technological developments and implement them in our client journey.
How did you come up with the name for your company?
We bought the company from 2 amazing creative guys who thought it would be really great if we had a crystal ball to see the career trajectories of our placements to ensure we were placing them in a position to best highlight their talents. From there it was just a matter of finding the correct play on words so we could create something catchy which would resonate with clients.
How long have you been running your own business? What were you doing before this?
JobCrystal was established 10 years ago. For the last 3 years my business partner have co-owned it. In my mind, we have managed to completely transform both the JobCrystal online recruitment portal as well as the personalized recruitment service. The latter for which there will always be a space in the market.
I started my recruitment journey in Durban, 13 years ago, I have gained industry specific experience with iconic organisations such as KellyGirl and other well known recruitment brands. Before braving the recruitment arena, I was a circus acrobat. (Not really, but thought it would convince you of my ability to juggle many balls at once…)
What is the hardest part about running your own business?
Wearing multiple hats and the juggling. I am (in no order of importance); Mommy, Debtors Clerk, Managing Director, HR Consultant, Operations co-ordinator, Wife, Recruiter, Stable hand and constant therapist and shoulder to cry on for both my consultants, clients and employees.
Which social media platform do you love the most and why?
Facebook, as it provides another unique platform for Job Crystal to provide daily tips to a friendly captured audience on recruitment related best practices.
Linked In, on the other hand allows me to screen and profile a candidate before approaching them for a role.
Name a goal for 2019 that you want to achieve?
To become the premier IT Technician job portal for all employers and employees alike. In doing so, becoming a household name in ‘Recruitment South Africa’ and ensuring all those balls keep going and not get dropped.
What motivates you to get out of bed every day?
My husbands snoring and my son’s crying….. No seriously, what I believe to be an unbridled passion for the art of recruitment. I really love what I do, I sincerely believe that I make a difference in peoples lives on a daily basis. When you get to live your passion, getting up is never a hardship.
How do you manage your successful career while being a mom?
With a staggering sense of humour and the patience of a mom. As a perfectionist, I’ve had to teach myself to let the little things slide and not to sweat the small stuff. I think too many working moms put unnecessary pressure on themselves to be all things perfect all the time. It simply isn’t possible without driving yourself to an early breakdown. I prioritise my day, and if there are inane tasks I don’t get to, I don’t beat myself up about it.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received about motherhood?
‘Be consistent’. Excellent advice if your child is Voldemort; and doling out punishment doesn’t yank your heartstrings to the limit. My son on the other hand is cuteness wrapped in adorability. Trying to reprimand a mini version of yourself (I, of course, was also crazy cute), is possibly my biggest challenge. Maintaining consistency though is key to juggling a hectic career and motherhood though.
What has surprised you the most about being a mom?
How partying till 3am leaves you only moderately tired, but an afternoon with an inquisitive toddler can leave you exhausted!
What are your top tips for balancing work life and home life?
Family first – I learnt this through my motherhood journey and have adopted putting my family first, before any work event or email that pops up. This isn’t always easy as people’s problems don’t keep business hours, but when it is family time, I definitely give them my undivided attention.
What popular entrepreneurial advice do you agree with?
I absolutely love this mantra and repeat it to myself often when I feel I’ve failed someone or something. If we don’t make mistakes, we can’t improve and without improvement, we stagnate. Mistakes equal lessons!
Share some of your failures and the best lessons you have learned from them?
I spent a long time trying to be everything to everyone, and in that lost my focus for what I wanted to achieve for me. When I made the decision to finally walk away from those things that were creating unnecessary pressure in my life, I found an awesome kind of freedom. I remind myself every day that I’m responsible for my own happiness, and only pursue those things that add to my personal growth.
How do you define success?
I used to aspire to flashy cars and model homes, but having a child changes those expectations. Success to me now is when, at the end of a long day, I know I’ve a) helped someone realize their dream job; b) been a patient wife and mom and c) been the best version of myself that I could.
Top 3 mobile apps that make your work more effective?
Whatsapp – my go to communication tool with all candidates and colleagues (in no particular order)
WAZE – we often traverse the commute visiting new clients or candidates. Being strapped for time like all working moms, this is a definite life saver.
Haystack – If I were to cart around every business card I get given, I’d need a bigger car. This nifty little app scans the card and automatically saves the info to my contacts.
