Women’s Month Interview

Our first female-owned franchise is FICS Tshwane South, owned by Monique Burgers and who better to interview for Women’s Month.

Monique grew up in Heidelberg, Gauteng after which she studied LLB at the North-West University, Potchefstroom. She completed her articles at an established firm situated in Brooklyn, Pretoria after which she got admitted as an Attorney.

After this, she did commercial work for about two years after which she started her own legal practice, Burgers Van der Westhuizen Attorneys. Three years down the line and they are still going strong. She loves her firm and the work that goes along with it. She regards this as one of the best decisions she ever made.

She started getting interested with FICS because it is something that she can run along with her firm and also feels that it can generate more business for Burgers Van der Westhuizen Attorneys. She genuinely likes the concept of FICS and, seeing as she is in the industry, she knows there is unquestionably a market for this.

When we asked her if being her own-boss was something she always aspired to, she answered with certainty:

“Being your own-boss is definitely MUCH harder than most people think! Yes, you work for yourself and make your own decisions; however, no work means no pay. So, it requires much more hours than your regular 8 to 5 jobs. You also have your workers depending on you, so there is much more to lose. However, you have so much more to gain! I grew so much as a person in these last few years, and I still grow and learn each day. I enjoy what I do with both FICS and my law firm so much, and we are looking forward to what the future holds!”

She decided to become a FICS franchise owner because of the brilliant business concept. She believes it is unique in its way, and there is a market for it. Monique stated that even though they have only been on board for a short amount of time, it is much better than they expected. For Monique, being a Franchisee means although she is the owner of the business it comes along with tremendous support. Monique and her team experience support, not only from Head Office but also from fellow Franchisees.

“It is amazing to have such a great support system and to know; you are not the only one walking this path. It keeps us confident and excited for the future!”

Monique’s goal for the future is to make sure FICS Tshwane South is as successful as can be! To achieve all the goals as set by Head office and themselves further to be able to assist the general public with their excellent services. She wants FICS to be a well-known brand nationwide!

Her advice to all aspiring business owners will be the following:

“It is tuff, if it were easy, everybody would do it. But hard work and dedication can get you a long way. Every situation, good or bad, is a learning curve. Use it, learn from it, and move on to make better decisions.”