Lindie Badenhorst the Quirky Queen of Resilience

Lindie, has a life story that reads like a novel, filled with triumphs, trials, and tenacity.

In her younger days Lindie ran a quaint little gift shop and always remembered how much she loved it. After her divorce, she decided to start afresh in the picturesque town of Parys. It was a daunting move, made more challenging by financial struggles, but Lindie was determined to provide a better life for her two sons. “I was brave and started a gift shop there, not knowing anyone,” she recalls. Initially, she operated her little shop independently, but eventually moved it into a larger building housing multiple stores. She worked tirelessly, seven days a week, to make ends meet. After two gruelling years, she returned to Klerksdorp and closed her shop.

Life threw her an unexpected curveball in 2011 when she was involved in a devastating head-on collision. “I had to fight for my life, I felt and smelled the reaper next to my bed,” she says, “ recounting the effect of severe internal bleeding, blood clots, and a crushed body that left specialists with little hope. Despite staring death in the face, her love for her children kept her going. “I asked God to spare my life so I could see my children grow up,” she remembers. With the unwavering support of friends and family, she slowly began to recover, though the pain remained a constant companion.

In April 2014, a friend convinced her to open another shop in Parys. By May, Lulu Lalla  was born, a shop filled with exclusive items that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Juggling a mining company job during the week and her shop on weekends, Lindie invested every spare rand into her business. “I started with very little money, around R57,000,” she says. Despite the challenges, her determination never wavered. “Every Friday afternoon, I went to Parys, then to Johannesburg on Saturdays, and back to Klerksdorp on Sundays.”

Her journey took another turn in June 2014 when she met her current husband. A year later, they married and eventually moved to Kathu. Despite tough times, Lindie’s spirit remained unbroken. In February 2017, she opened a shop in Kathu, and later that year, they moved to Cape Town, where she opened a shop at Eden on the Bay, Bloubergstrand. By October 2019, they had returned to their roots in Klerksdorp.

The arrival of COVID-19 in March 2020 brought more upheaval, forcing Lindie to close her Parys shop. With no money for storage, she moved her stock into her house and those of her friends. But by October 2020, Lulu Lalla Klerksdorp opened at Macrovest Centre, marking a new chapter in her retail journey.

 Lindie’s passion for unique, quirky gifts is evident in every corner of her shops. “I wanted a shop where you can buy a unique gift, not just lamps and cushions,” she explains. Her inventory is a delightful mix of unique South African products and selected imports that often bring a smile to her customers’ faces. “The greatest sound is laughter,” she says, echoing the joy her products bring.

Despite the challenges of South Africa’s economic climate, Lindie remains optimistic. She believes in evolving and staying relevant to outlast competitors who might imitate her ideas. “People who steal others’ ideas are usually too lazy to manage their own shops,” she says. “Just make sure you know your clients and your market.”

Her approach to business is deeply rooted in strong customer and staff relations. “Treat your customers right, and they will do your marketing,” she advises. Lindie is not just a boss but a part of a team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. “We are a team; I am not the boss, just the owner,” she says, highlighting her belief in teamwork. Lulu Lalla has risen from the ashes many times and today still boast the three shops, one in Bloubergstrand Western Cape , Kathu Northern Cape and one in Klerksdorp North West Transvaal.

For young entrepreneurs, her advice is clear: “Be trustworthy, honest, and loyal. This applies both ways, whether you are an employee or an employer.” Reflecting on her own journey, she adds, “My son once told someone that his mom showed him you don’t need an education or a lot of money to become successful; all you have to do is work hard.”

Lindie’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. She is an inspiration to single moms suffering to provide for their children. ”I sometimes feel guilty for missing important moments in my children’s lives, but most single moms do the best they can with what they have”

 Her favourite quote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” by Winston Churchill, encapsulates her journey perfectly. Through every twist and turn, Lindie has shown that with courage and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle.