In an era where digital presence is vital for success, Zintle Ramano emerges as a remarkable entrepreneur and a beacon of innovation in the digital marketing landscape. With her company, BAAB Media Group, she not only navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship but also inspires others to carve their paths in a world often dominated by traditional practices.
Origin and Inspiration
Inspiration to Start
Zintle’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a critical observation: a significant lack of representation of Black Africans in mainstream media. “I had identified the lack of representation of Black Africans in mainstream media, which then caused me to begin a blog on Tumblr called BlackAfricanAndBeautiful,” she explains. This blog garnered significant attention, evolving into a Twitter account that achieved over 2 million impressions and even became a trending topic in Johannesburg and South Africa. This engagement laid the groundwork for the formation of BAAB Media Group, an AI digital marketing specialist agency.
Background Influence
Zintle’s background played a pivotal role in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit. “I come from an all-women household,” she shares. “I am also a single mother, raised by a single mother, who was also raised by a single mother. This reality has always normalized the concept of matriarchy.” This lineage of strong women instilled in her the confidence and resilience needed to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Coupled with her academic background—a degree in Global Business Management and diplomas in hospitality management—Zintle was well-equipped to turn her vision into reality. “While I was learning in university, I would apply the lectures we were receiving to my business, whether it was accounting, yield management, or property management,” she reflects, emphasizing how education supported her entrepreneurial foundation.
Business Overview
Business Model
BAAB Media Group operates as an AI Specialist Digital Marketing Agency, offering a range of services including website development, app development, social media management, and AI-driven marketing strategies. Zintle describes the uniqueness of her business: “We are focused purely on digital and exploring that space. So we do not offer traditional marketing services because we seek to become experts in our field. One day we will be stamped as the #1 digital marketing agency in South Africa.”
Customer Benefits
The agency primarily serves B2B clients, delivering tailored digital marketing solutions that address specific needs and enhance brand visibility. “Our services benefit our customers by providing them with innovative, effective marketing strategies that leverage technology,” Zintle states. Potential clients can reach BAAB Media Group through their website, baabmedia.com.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Funding Challenges
As with many entrepreneurs, Zintle faced significant challenges, particularly regarding funding. “Access to funding has been a challenge I have faced since inception. There comes a time in your journey where you have to identify if you’re being over-mentored and underfunded,” she admits.
Moments of Doubt
In 2023, after giving birth and facing business performance struggles, Zintle contemplated giving up. However, a turning point came when she was awarded the Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans award. “This was almost an ‘aha’ moment,” she recalls. “It meant that the work I was putting out was impactful and making change. Impact is more important than ego.”
Business Strategy
Funding Approach
Zintle’s business has been funded solely by herself and its generated revenue. “Currently, we are starting our first round of funding in 2025 to achieve R8 million in funding by 2027,” she shares, highlighting her strategic growth plans.
Marketing Strategy
To differentiate BAAB Media Group from the competition, Zintle focused on establishing it as a niche agency. “What makes a difference is understanding your value proposition,” she advises. Her commitment to specializing in digital marketing sets her agency apart in a crowded marketplace.
Learning and Growth
Key Lessons
Zintle has learned essential lessons throughout her entrepreneurial journey. “In business, being nice does not allow you to get what you want. You have to be very assertive and intentional with everything that you do,” she explains. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring clients understand the value of her time and services.
Keeping Up with Trends
To stay relevant, Zintle monitors trends, particularly among younger generations. “I always keep an eye on what Gen Z and Alpha deem as cool. They are great idea generators,” she notes. Participation in incubator programs for research and development further fuels her business acumen.
Balancing Life and Work
Finding Balance
Zintle acknowledges that achieving work-life balance has been a challenge, particularly after becoming a mother. “In the beginning, I did not have balance at all. Now, I have to have operating hours. After 5, my clients know they will not be able to get a hold of me unless they have the budget for it,” she states, illustrating her commitment to maintaining boundaries.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Her advice for those struggling with work-life balance is straightforward: “You need to have an operations plan that sets hours for your business and values your time.” This practical approach not only aids in time management but also enhances productivity.
Advice and Vision
Words of Wisdom
Zintle encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their ideas, regardless of societal perceptions. “Your idea, no matter the industry sector, is brilliant. When I began, I was told that creatives would never make money. Now digital marketers are among the most successful individuals I know,” she asserts.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Zintle envisions BAAB Media Group becoming the #1 digital marketing agency in South Africa, expanding into other SADC countries, and generating significant revenue. “One day my daughter will take over,” she muses, hinting at her long-term aspirations for family legacy and empowerment.
Reflection and Impact
Proud Achievements
Among her proudest achievements is mentoring from Charmaine Houvet and being invited to speak at TEDx University of Luzern in Switzerland. “I was astonished that I am perceived as an expert in my field,” Zintle reflects.
Legacy Aspirations
Zintle aims to leave a legacy that champions women from diverse backgrounds, building a multi-million “girl empire.” “That is where BAAB Media Group is headed,” she declares confidently.
The Journey Continues
Looking Back
If she could change one thing about her journey, Zintle would disregard the doubters. “I have proven them wrong,” she states, reinforcing her determination to succeed.
What’s Next
Looking forward, she plans to expand her learnership program, aiming to teach digital literacy and reach her funding goals by 2027. Zintle Ramano’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. As she continues to forge her path, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
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