DJ Zinhle embraces failure: ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’

Relebogile Mabotja speaks to businesswoman, producer and mother, DJ Zinhle on the Upside of Failure.

Listen to the discussion below.

Whether you know her from her music or business, the name DJ Zinhle has grown into a powerhouse in the industry.

But how did she come this far? By not letting the fear of failure get in her way. 

“I learned that 99% of the things we worry about never happen anyway, and when things do happen, what is the worst that can happen?”

- DJ Zinhle

“Asking myself that in a moment of failure has saved me from a lot of anxiety because then I need to be realistic about the situation at hand and find solutions instead of sitting there and worrying about it.”

- DJ Zinhle

And just like everyone else, she is always eager to learn from her mistakes.

Just last year, she had to shut down one of her businesses that was not performing, a luxury furniture store - Jiyane Atelier. 

“… the partners could not deliver on the demand, or what we had agreed on… my worst fear is to let the customers down. I remember I was left with a year of using my own money to just fix and deliver on what wasn’t delivered to customers.”

- DJ Zinhle 

DJ Zinhle says she does not shy away from her failures because her “best weapon” is being as real as possible. 

“What freed me a few years ago was just realising that all the things that I go through are things that everyone else goes through. I am not bringing anything new to life.”

- DJ Zinhle 

“If I’m an independent and hardworking woman who can’t cook, I’m not the first one... And just because I cannot cook does not mean my family is not taken care of.”

- DJ Zinhle 

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Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview