Small business dreams come to life with the guidance and support offered by Jameel Khan and Hiten Yasvant Keshave, two inspiring businessmen hoping to guide SMMEs to success in South Africa.
South Africa (21 October 2024) – Jameel Khan and Hiten Yasvant Keshave founded their company, the Unconventional CA, but it’s their backstories that have inspired the industry most, earning them each accolade in their own rights and building a foundation for business done well!
The duo founded Unconventional CA (UCA) in the hope of supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. They work to support small businesses in overcoming obstacles, finding inspiration, and connecting them to the greater supply chain, where corporations need B-BBEE partners. This, in turn, grows them into businesses that can employ people and boost the local economy.
We got to chat with the guys about their personal accomplishments and how they see their business growing and helping others grow along the way.
Jameel Khan’s story starts with a struggle; as an addict, he found his freedom when he finally overcame his addiction in July 2016. He calls the moment sitting in his first group therapy session in rehab one of his most defining life moments. He looked around the room and realised he wasn’t alone.
“Regardless of a problem one might face there are always people who can empathize and are willing to listen and help to resolve one’s afflictions.”
“It taught me that no problem is insurmountable and to try and be present and appreciate each moment” – Jameel Khan
Hiten, too, had to overcome struggles before joining Jameel in business. He learned first-hand the struggles in business, having to liquidate his first business and learned a great lesson in the process.
“I had to liquidate my first business in 2015. It was my first leap into entrepreneurship, and it didn’t go as planned. However, choosing not to seek help to save myself was crucial because it taught me invaluable lessons about failure, resilience, and growth. That experience shaped my future approach to business and life.” – Hiten Yasvant Keshave.
The moment was key to learning from mistakes, and today, it plays a big role in supporting other small businesses.
And what is life without its upturns? For Hiten, the added struggle of illness played a role in how he practices business today.
“Another personal struggle was overcoming epilepsy. Being nine years free of any episodes, and off medication for three years, has instilled in me the power of the mind and how controlling your thoughts can shape your life.”
Both Jameel and Hiten have earned spots as finalists on the 2023 Top 35 under 35 list by SAICA, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Both credit their biggest accomplishments as founding UCA.
“The founding of Unconventional CA, with the purpose of giving back to the community and supporting SMMEs, stands out as a defining success. It’s about more than financial gain—it’s about impact and empowerment.” – Hiten
Having found their footing in supporting SMMEs, both Jameel and Hiten have truly sound advice for hopeful entrepreneurs.
“It’s about progress not perfection. Stride to make progress everyday and you will succeed.” – Jameel
“My advice is simple—fail fast, fail forward, and embrace the lessons that come with failure. Resilience and a growth mindset are essential in entrepreneurship. Surround yourself with the right people, build strong networks, and don’t shy away from asking for help when needed. Remember, your journey as an entrepreneur is more about learning and evolving than about the end result.” – Hiten
With such a bright future for small businesses in South Africa. Jameel and Hiten have great hopes. They are ready and willing to help support and grow small and micro businesses into thriving companies that are able to hire staff and turn promising profits. There is so much hope, and we love seeing people invest their knowledge and skills in building small businesses.
Hiten ends by sharing that Unconventional CA is a platform for social entrepreneurship and humanitarian efforts, which contributes to a future where people can harness the power of their minds and potential.
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