Lola Robertson There is still a misconception in South Africa that certain sectors are reserved for specific genders, however, Lola Robertson, owner of Armadillo Concepts – a Kempton Park-based manufacturer of high quality automotive roll-top covers – was not deterred by her male counterparts’ misgivings when she started out as a junior buyer at the company, 17 years ago. Instead, she worked her way up the corporate ladder, initially taking over as general manager and has since become the owner. Along this path she also led the way in shifting misconceptions and today, Armadillo Concepts can proudly say that half of its staff, from senior managers to factory-floor workers, comprise of women. Gugu Mjadu, executive general manager at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS) says that successful women-owned businesses are especially important in order to inspire South Africa’s younger female generation and showcase entrepreneurship as a viable career path. “The recently rel...