Christie, can you tell us about your background. Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Keetmanshoop and raised in Windhoek. With a simple background.
How about your family
I am the first-born daughter of three siblings.
What role did your upbringing play in your current outlook in life?
I was raised in a family where hard work and dedication were emphasized, I most definitely have carried those values into my entrepreneurial endeavors.
The early exposure I had to financial management and responsibility at home has led me to a better understanding of financial matters, which is valuable for business success.
Can you tell us about the importance of family to you?
I consider family as one of the most fundamental and significant aspects of my life. It serves as a source of emotional support, love, and a sense of belonging.
My family provides emotional support during both challenging and joyful times. They have offered me a safe space to express my feelings and seek comfort and understanding. I have learnt the following from my family:
-Unconditional Love: relatives often love unconditionally, regardless of flaws or mistakes. This love has been a source of strength and confidence.
-Identity and Belonging: a central role in shaping my identity and sense of belonging. They provided a connection to my cultural, social, and familial roots that I have since integrated. Along with passed down traditions, values, and beliefs from one generation to the next, creating a sense of continuity and heritage.
You have lived outside Namibia, for studies. How was that experience?
Living abroad while studying can be a transformative and enriching experience. It offered me numerous benefits and challenges,
-Cultural Immersion: Living in a foreign country allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture, language, and way of life. I gained a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions.
-Personal Growth:Living abroad often pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal growth, independence, and resilience. I learned to adapt to new situations and solve problems independently.
-Education: The international university I chose had a great stat of quality education and diverse academic opportunities that broadened my knowledge and perspectives.
-Global Networking: I had the chance to build a global network of friends and contacts, which became valuable for future personal and professional endeavors.
On the downside-Homesickness! Being away from home can lead to feelings of missing family and friends while adjusting to a new culture, food, and lifestyle it was challenging at first, and I experienced a few instances of culture shock.
What was your first job?
I worked as intern at E-med rescue services.
You have a degree in Emergency Medical Care. What does that mean?
A degree in Emergency Medical Care typically refers to an educational program and academic qualification related to emergency medical services (EMS) and pre-hospital healthcare. It encompasses the knowledge and skills required for individuals to provide immediate medical care in emergency situations.
This degree program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills relevant to emergency medical care. Students study topics like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, trauma care, medical assessments, and patient management.
Clinical Training : Many programs include clinical or hands-on training, which may involve internships or clinical rotations in emergency departments, ambulance services, or other healthcare settings.
Students learn how to assess and stabilize patients, administer medications, and perform life-saving interventions in pre-hospital settings, such as ambulances and emergency response teams.
The degree covers emergency response protocols and procedures, including communication, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
Overall, a degree in Emergency Medical Care prepares individuals for careers as EMTs, paramedics, or other emergency medical professionals play a crucial role in delivering life-saving care during crises. The specific curriculum and degree titles may vary from one educational institution to another, but the overarching goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
How does that differ from being a doctor or a nurse?
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) differs significantly from being a doctor or a nurse in terms of their roles, training, and responsibilities:
EMT: EMTs are trained to provide basic life support and initial emergency medical care. They can assess patients, administer CPR, control bleeding, immobilize fractures, and assist with childbirth, among other essential tasks.
Nurse: Nurses have a broader scope of practice than EMTs. They can provide a wide range of medical care, including administering medications, performing medical procedures, and offering comprehensive patient care.Doctor: Doctors, also known as physicians, have the highest level of medical training. They diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, perform surgeries, and make complex medical decisions. They have in-depth medical knowledge and often specialize in specific fields.
Has that always been your first choice of study?
I have always been passionate about the medical field. But unfortunately my first career choice was becoming Lawyer.
How are you able to apply your educational qualification on a daily basis?
It may seem that an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) qualification and a career as an amenities supplier are unrelated, but there are several ways in which it’s evident they work:
Emergency Preparedness: EMT training equipes me with skills in assessing and responding to medical emergencies. In my role at CMLP having a strong understanding of emergency preparedness and first aid can be beneficial. You can ensure that safety measures and medical supplies are readily available for any unforeseen emergencies within the workplace.
Problem-Solving: EMTs are trained to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. These problem-solving and decision-making skills are valuable in running a business, especially when addressing unexpected challenges or emergencies.
Teamwork and Communication: EMTs often work as part of a team and need effective communication skills. These skills have proven to be useful in managing employees, collaborating with clients, and ensuring smooth operations in your amenities supply business.
Attention to Detail: is critical in both the EMT field and business. Ensuring the accuracy and quality of the amenities you supply is essential for customer satisfaction.
While the direct application of EMT skills in your amenities supply business may be limited, the knowledge, skills, and mindset developed as an EMT can enhance your overall effectiveness, especially in terms of safety, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions. It’s important to leverage your background to create a well-rounded and customer-oriented business approach.
Tell us about Christie Madison Luxury Products. How did the concept come about?
I gained a love for the environment and became interested in innovative ideas towards a safer green world. Being an environmentalist, and a advocate Iam highly passionate about protecting the environment. I love nature and has availed herself to take part in global eco-friendly related debates and does her part by signing online petitions for the cause.
How long has your company been operational?
The company was founded in 2020 has been fully operational since.
Do you mind sharing some of the milestones you’ve achieved?
-Developing the product and service range to ensure it meets the needs of our target market.
-Initial Sales: Making first sales and generating revenue. This is a significant milestone, indicating market acceptance and reality setting.
-Customer Acquisition: Building a customer base and starting to see consistent sales. -Market Expansion: Expanding into new markets or regions, either locally or globally.
-Partnerships and Alliances: Forming strategic partnerships or alliances that helped the business grow.
Where’s your largest client base?
We currently serve clients in South Africa, Botswana, Congo Braz- zaville, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. We’ve established a regional market in which we work with hotels, restaurants, and airlines.
How competitive is the luxury products market?
Luxury brands rely on their reputation and heritage. Established brands have an advantage, but newcomers can break through with innovative approaches.
Consumer Expectations: Luxury consumers have high expectations for quality, exclusivity, and exceptional customer service. Meeting these expectations is essential for success.
Global Competition: The luxury market is global, with competition from well-known international brands as well as emerging luxury brands from different regions. Economic fluctuations can impact consumer spending on luxury items. A downturn can lead to reduced demand for luxury products.
Innovation: Staying relevant in the luxury market often requires continuous innovation in design, materials, and marketing.
Personalization:: Offering personalized experiences and products is becoming more important in the luxury market to cater to individual customer preferences.
Changing Consumer Demographics The profile of luxury consumers is evolving, with younger generations showing different values and preferences. Adapting to these shifts is essential.
What have you learnt about running your own business so far?
Adaptability: Running a business often requires quick thinking and adaptability. Market conditions and customer preferences can change rapidly, so the ability to pivot and adjust our business strategy is essential, it can be tough, and setbacks are common. Resilience and the ability to persevere through difficult times are important qualities for entrepreneurs.
Understanding and meeting customer needs is at the core of a successful business. Customer feedback and engagement are crucial for the growth and improvement of CMLP
Learning how to communicate the value of your products or services is a continuous process.
Recognizing when to delegate tasks and trusting employees or partners is essential for avoiding burnout and ensuring the business’s scalability.
Running a business is a dynamic and educational journey that often involves learning from both successes and failures. It’s a continuous process of growth and development, and every entrepreneur’s experience is unique.
What do you think of women and representation in business?
Women’s representation in business is a crucial and ongoing issue. While there have been significant strides in recent years, there is still work to be done to achieve greater gender diversity and equality in the business world. It’s important to recognize that diversity, including gender diversity, has been shown to lead to better decision-making, increased innovation, and improved business performance.
Efforts to support and promote women in business, such as mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies that address gender pay gaps, are essential. The business world benefits from a wide range of perspectives, and achieving gender parity is a vital step toward a more equitable and inclusive society. Women’s voices and contributions are invaluable, and their representation in leadership positions is critical for the continued progress of the business world and society as a whole.
How does Christie unwind
Unwinding while traveling is such a delightful and rejuvenating experience.
I consider taking a break from digital devices and social media. Unplugging has helped me be more present and truly unwind.
Nature Exploration: If my chosen destination allows it, I spend time in nature. Hiking, walking on the beach, I find it to be calming and restorative.
Reading and Entertainment: a good book or loading up my e-reader with reading material I’ve been wanting to dive into.
I indulge in spa treatments or wellness activities such as massages, saunas, or hot spring from time to time.
Local Cuisine: Enjoying the local cuisine and trying out new dishes. Savoring delicious food is a significant part of unwinding as a foodie!
Spontaneity: Allowing for moments of spontaneity in my day to day. Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from unexpected encounters and detours.
I tailor my leisure to my personal preferences, whether that means lounging on a beach or embarking on an adventure. I enjoy the journey and make the most of my time away from the daily routine.
