Starting and Running a Female-Owned Courier Business – Prayleen Bailey’s Story
The world of couriers and last-mile delivery is a highly-competitive and fast-changing environment. But what is it like for a women leader in this industry? As the Road Freight Association celebrates Women’s Month, we share the story of Prayleen Bailey, founder of courier company Krosworx Trading.
Name of company | Krosworx Trading (Pty)Ltd |
Your job title | Business Developer / Business Owner |
Number of years in this Position | 7 |
What made you decide to enter the courier industry? | I was exploring different revenue streams and met my business mentor who has been in the courier industry for many years. He taught me that, without trucking nothing happens! This resonated with me: at the same time with the rapid rise of e-commerce this was an opportunity I had to take! |
What were you doing before you entered this industry? | I was a senior consultant in the health insurance industry. |
What do you really enjoy about this industry? | The rapid pace and crisis management and the excitement on a client’s face when their parcel arrives! |
What are some of the challenges you have faced and how have you overcome these?
| Being an emerging operator some of the challenges experienced are: the barrier to entry and being a female in this industry – you have to work extra hard to prove that you have what it takes to make this a success. To overcome this ,you need to have self- motivation, zeal and believe that you will breakthrough. You need to have confidence in what you do! |
Who is/are your role-models?
| Michelle Obama and Romona Wood, CEO at FedEx International. |
What are some of your major achievements to date?
| In my personal capacity my major achievement is running my own business and still being able to raise my children. |
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? | Don’t be afraid to try new things. There is nothing you can’t do, as someone is already doing it or has done it before! |
What is your favourite book and why?
| Mind Power by Robin Banks: This book is powerful and has taught me that the power of our thoughts will manifest, so keep thinking positive thoughts. |
Any other information you would like to share? | As a sisterhood, let’s support each other and change the belief that this industry is for men only! |
