What’s your name and designation?

My name is Lisa and I’m the Founder and Primary Concierge at Tide Shores Concierge Services.

Tell us about your journey. How did you get started with your business and what inspired you to do so?

Tide Shores grew out of my own life and career experiences. I’ve always believed that when the little details are taken care of, life feels calmer and just easier to enjoy.

I grew up in South Africa, and from a young age, I learned to value diversity, honesty, and real human connection. Travelling and living in different places showed me how much the small details shape how people experience a moment or a place.

Over the past 29 years, I’ve worked in a mix of corporate roles and my own ventures. No matter what I was doing, the focus was always on people; understanding them, supporting them, and helping things run smoothly. That’s what I bring to Tide Shores.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Some of the biggest challenges were figuring out how to turn all the experiences and skills I’d gained over the years into something tangible that would really serve people.

Another challenge was building the right network of partners and vendors I could rely on. I follow strong work ethics and expect the same from my network.

I knew that the quality of every experience depended on the people behind it, so finding the right ones and building trust took time and patience.

I overcame these challenges by leaning on my past experiences, focusing on listening to what clients really need, and staying true to the idea that attention to detail matters more than anything else.

I also don’t do it all alone. I built a small, trusted circle of partners who share the same values and standards.

What unique aspects of doing business in South Africa would you highlight (good or bad)?

Doing business in South Africa is unique because of its diversity and the emphasis on relationships. People are creative, resilient, and value trust, which makes connections meaningful.

At the same time, managing bureaucracy and uneven resources can be challenging, so patience and persistence are key.

How do you differentiate your business from competitors?

My corporate career taught me to do more than manage tasks; I have a knack for anticipating needs before they’re spoken, and I combine intuition with a calm, steady presence that comes from years of working in complex, global environments.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in growing your customer base?

For me, the most effective way to grow my customer base has been through referrals and returning clients.

What’s one mistake you made early on that you wish you could go back and fix?

I’ve made mistakes along the way, but nothing I’d want to go back and change. Being careful about taking on clients and doing proper due diligence has helped me learn from these experiences. Also, I do not commit to any work outside my abilities. Mistakes can be a great learning curve because it teach you how to improve.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a business owner?

The most rewarding part of being a business owner is knowing that the work I do makes a real difference in people’s lives. It allows me to build meaningful relationships and shape a business that reflects my values and vision.

How do you approach innovation and staying relevant in your industry?

Clients’ needs are always changing, so I pay close attention to what they value most and learn from each interaction, adapting my approach as needed.

Although I stay aware of trends, I don’t follow them blindly. What matters most is meeting a client’s expectations, even if that means going against the trend, rather than following it and underdelivering.

How has your business adapted to the digital age, and what advice would you give to others looking to do the same?

I’m fortunate that my services can be delivered entirely online, which has made it easier to meet my clients’ needs remotely.

Technology allows me to stay connected, organised, and responsive no matter where my clients are based.

My advice is to embrace technology, but figure out what works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so find what fits your business model and don’t be afraid to experiment.

What advice do you have for someone just starting a business in South Africa?

My career spans 29 years, and if there is one non-negotiable piece of advice I can offer, it’s to focus on building strong relationships based on trust from the start.

Be patient, adaptable, do your due diligence, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from trusted mentors.

For more information, visit Tide Shores Concierge Services’ listing.

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