Get to know Sloom’s Susan Kemp, an exceptional entrepreneur with an eye for creativity and design. Susan’s professional journey is a testimony to her dedication and drive, with a remarkable career as a graphic designer, lecturer and marketing manager she is a true inspiration to young women who one day hope to pursue a career as both a creative and businesswoman.
In her career Susan has worked with various brands such as Nivea, Clover, Lays and Jacobs. In 2016 the brand Sloom was established, the business focuses on creating the ultimate mattress-buying experience that is both simple and innovative. Sloom offers an original mattress that prioritises personal preference in terms of firmness. With a wide- range of products from mattresses, height-adjustable memory foam pillows, bed frames (available in neutral colours) and luxurious hotel-quality 100% cotton linen.
Susan’s venture into Sloom began with a strong passion and dream, she recalls dedicating any free time to helping and working alongside her partner Rudo Kemp. With her creative mindset and her husband’s technical talent, they were able to grow the brand together despite limited resources in the beginning.
Kemp contributes her career choices and success to her family, especially her grandmother, mother and twin- sister who were always there to offer a strong support base. Taking on an optimistic mindset inherited from her grandmother she recognises that this has helped her to always see the potential and good in every situation.
With the success of Sloom, the brand supports female business and services to ensure that women are given equal opportunities in both creative and business roles. Susan strongly believes it is essential to create spaces where there is great inclusion, enabling shared network opportunities whilst promoting diversity and mentorship. By developing stronger policies and following these steps she believes that more women will be able to showcase their talents and achievements.
As the business grows in the future, Sloom will continue to build on their journey and goal of expanding their product line-up, whilst exploring new markets they ultimately aim to continuously innovate sleep technology. They hope to achieve this through the continuous priority on research development and use of sustainable practices. This goal will ensure the maintenance of their customer-centric approach that recognises the importance of customer needs and expectations. The team welcomes all feedback and enjoys hearing about how their products have impacted the lives of their customers.
As Women’s Day approaches Susan Kemp answers our burning questions about entrepreneurship and the challenges of building a business:
What was the most challenging aspect of shifting from working on established brands like Nivea and Jacobs to launching a new brand from scratch?
Working for an agency involves set structures which allowed me to focus solely on design. However, building a business from scratch requires managing all aspects, where design is just a small, although vital part. It’s been challenging to manage these diverse responsibilities without neglecting my passion for designing.
What challenges did you face as a woman in the creative and entrepreneurial space, and how did you overcome them?
The hardest part of starting a business is having perseverance when you don’t see returns for your efforts. You keep investing time and money, but the sales aren’t there yet, and you still need to make ends meet. Our support network, which was initially very enthusiastic about our ideas, gradually dwindled until it was just my husband and me still believing in the idea. When the moment was right, we took out a loan in my name to invest in marketing, which was a scary step without a substantial salary. However, this served as the last push we needed, and soon everything started picking up momentum.
This experience taught me the value of having a supportive partner. Together, my husband and I are much stronger than we would be individually.
Can you share a particular project or moment at Sloom that you’re especially proud of, and how it reflects your vision and creativity?
As a small business owner, it is incredibly hard to pick just one moment, as there are constantly new creative projects that leave me especially proud. However, I am exceptionally impressed by our creative teamwork and how well we collaborate to develop our products, branding and community.
It’s been a process, but I can confidently say we have high-quality products that is the first and only of its kind in South Africa, and it is 100% made in South Africa. Additionally, I am proud of how widely known and loved our brand has become. Hearing someone talk positively about Sloom, purely because they are impressed, is incredibly gratifying. Seeing our name featured as highly recommended on social media and forums, and being mentioned alongside beloved, well-established brands, fills me with pride. It warms my heart to see the community we’ve built over the past few years.
What advice would you give to other women who aspire to make a mark in the entrepreneurial or creative fields, especially those who may be facing similar challenges?
My advice would be to stay resilient and persistent. Believe in your vision and the unique value that you bring to the table and don’t be afraid to take risks. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and always be open to learning and adapting. Your unique perspective is valuable and can drive innovation.
In what ways do you think female entrepreneurs are changing the landscape of business and creativity, and how does Sloom contribute to this change?
Female entrepreneurs bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the business and creative landscapes. They often focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact. At Sloom, we support female entrepreneurs by using their services to drive growth for both of us. We value the unique impact of women in the workplace and foster a work environment that prioritises diversity and creativity.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, can you share what it means to you to be recognised as a successful woman in entrepreneurship? How do you think your story can inspire other women?
Being recognised as a successful woman in entrepreneurship during Women’s Month is a tremendous honour. It signifies the progress we’ve made and the potential for future achievements. I hope my story inspires other women to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and realise that their contributions are valuable and impactful.
In your experience, what unique strengths do women bring to entrepreneurship and the creative industries, and how have you leveraged these strengths in growing Sloom?
Women bring unique strengths such as empathy, collaboration, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. These qualities foster innovation and create inclusive work environments. At Sloom, we’ve leveraged these strengths by building a team that values diverse perspectives and by focusing on creating products that enhance our customers’ well-being.
Follow Sloom on the following platforms:
Website: https://sloom.co.za/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloom.co.za/#
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