Alice Zejglic and Steven J. Brown have over 30 years of combined experience within the print and electronic media. With this advantage they pride themselves in offering their knowledge, services and expertise in the fields of PR, marketing and media strategies, and event management. Alice tells us how S&A Marketing started and talks about the challenges and rewards you can expect when running your own business.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

A: It was quite a spontaneous decision. I had been in media for a number of years – both at Independent Newspapers marketing department and then at East Coast Radio. I called Steven, who had been my colleague at Independent and who had worked at P4 radio but was now living in London, and asked him if he was keen to come back and start the company with me… The rest is history!

Q: How did the concept come about?

A: Marketing was something we had been part of for most of our working life, so starting our own business just seemed like the logic next step.

Q: Tell me about the type of product or service you feature

A: We provide a service of marketing and PR expertise, which is invaluable to any company in these times.

Q: How is your business unique?

A: We pride ourselves on having great relationships with our media contacts and provide a great service to our clients. We are thorough, ethical and ensure we provide value to all our clients – whether they are big or small.

Q: How important is location?

A: It is important, but also ensure you stick to a budget as you don’t want to spend your entire income on office space. We have been in three exceptional locations; we started working in my home and progressed from there.

Q: How has your business evolved since you opened?

A: We have evolved, but have stuck to our business plan which we drafted in the first month of business. We recommend that anyone who starts a business do a plan and look at it regularly. The market changes, and in time sometimes so do you.

Q: Tell me about your staff

A: The main members are Steven and I, however we contract other companies and individuals for projects and take on students to provide them with work experience.

Q: In what ways do you think your business is benefiting the community?

A: Providing work opportunities to students who need experience in order to be employable. Many have gone on to great careers, and we also have offered our services to NGO’s such as CANSA and CROW – at no charge.

Q: Why do you think your business is successful?

A: We are good at what we do, we have a mountain of knowledge and have developed great relationships with our contacts as well as our past and present clients.

Q: How has the recent economy affected your business?

A: We are actually doing very well! It’s important to keep your brand out there. My advice is to not stop marketing or promoting your companies; this is the time you need to.

Q: What are the main challenges when running your own business?

A: Ensuring we bring in our own salaries and stay positive – the glass is always half full!

Q: What are the main rewards?

A: Being our own boss and having fun in what we do! And getting repeat business is the best compliment ever.


For more info tel 031 309 8670 or e-mail [email protected]

alice steven