As we celebrate Women’s Month, we shine the spotlight on South Africa’s inspirational female entrepreneurs and business owners. One such lady is Terri Coetser, who’s achievements are an inspiration to any women aspiring to break barriers and succeed in their chosen fields. Through hard work and an inclusive approach, Terri has not only built a successful business, but also a legacy of empowerment and success for her team.
From Employee to Franchise Owner
Terri’s relationship with Ocean Basket began in her twenties, after waitressing in her teens at a local restaurant sparked her passion for the food service industry. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn paid off when she was promoted to manager at an Ocean Basket restaurant. This marked the beginning of her love affair with the brand and set the stage for her entrepreneurial journey to owning not one, but three Ocean Basket restaurants.
“Managing the restaurant gave me a deep understanding of the brand’s core values and operational intricacies,” Terri shares. “I fell in love with the emphasis on family values and the sense of community.”
Transitioning from a managerial role to owning her own franchise was no small feat. Terri candidly admits that despite her operational experience, she felt like a “deer caught in the headlights” when she first stepped into the role of a business owner. “I had the operational knowledge, but the business side was a steep learning curve,” she recalls. “It was an amazing learning experience, though, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Over the years, Terri expanded her Ocean Basket empire to three restaurants in KZN and Gauteng – Ballito, Umhlanga and Durban North. The growth from one to three restaurants was gradual, but filled with valuable lessons: “You become so focused on one restaurant that expanding requires a shift in mindset. You have to think about the business as a whole and not just one location.”
Overcoming Challenges
One of the challenges Terri faced was retaining the family-oriented spirit of Ocean Basket while managing multiple locations. Her approach has been to foster open communication with her people: “I believe in being transparent and approachable. My team feels like they are part of the business, not just employees. They can challenge procedures and ask questions, creating a sense of ownership.”
This inclusive style has paid off, with many of her crew members staying with her since day one; some of whom have now been with the brand for more than 20 years.
The franchise world, especially in the restaurant sector, is often seen as a male-dominated space. Terri, however, doesn’t let this define her experience: “You can’t approach your peers or broader business community with the mindset that you’re at a disadvantage because you’re a woman. You just do what you need to do and let your work speak for itself.”
Unique Qualities Women Bring to Business
Terri believes that women bring unique qualities to business, such as a nurturing and gentler approach: “We tend to have a calmer demeanour, which can be very effective in managing people and operations; it’s not about being soft, but about being humane and approachable.”
Balancing motherhood, self-care, and running a business is no easy task. Terri acknowledges that it’s a constant juggling act: “Restaurants operate seven days a week, and there’s always something happening. You have to prioritise and pick your battles.”
Family support plays a crucial role in her success. However, Terri emphasises the importance of having a reliable and dedicated crew – a team that allows her to focus on bigger things is an invaluable support system.
Key Lessons on Leadership and Decision-Making
Terri’s path to success has been filled with valuable lessons. One of the most significant has been the importance of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture: “You can’t micromanage. You have to trust your team and look at the business from the outside to make better decisions.”
Looking ahead, Terri hopes for continued consistency, clarity and transparency from the Ocean Basket brand. Collaboration with other franchisees, particularly women, is also something she values: “It’s good to have conversations and share ideas; it helps you feel less isolated on this journey.”
Outside of work, Terri finds relaxation in the simplest of pleasures—sleep. “It may sound basic, but a good night’s sleep is essential.”
Her daily mantra is simple: “Get up, put your face on, and don’t stop learning.” This attitude has helped her navigate the ups and downs of the business world with grace and determination.
