We recently connected with Jacobus Uys and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacobus, thanks for joining us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Only you get to decide that.

When I applied for architecture I wasn’t given an interview at any of the Universities, except one, in my hometown. I did the interview, and it didn’t go very well. I didn’t get accepted. So I went for my second option which was engineering. Through a technicality (there was only one interviewer in my application, and they didn’t like the look of me) I was accepted into architecture.

I spent the next four years not believing I belong, that interviewers’ opinion of me (who is highly regarded in the industry) stuck, like a brand I couldn’t get rid of. I would create situations where I just-just passed, believing that I didn’t belong, or that I wasn’t good enough.

Then when I had to apply for honours to continue my journey I self-sabotaged, delaying my acceptance by another three years. Eventually I did get accepted and I finished my honours and masters.

I now run a successful architecture firm doing work across the continent.

If I hadn’t stopped listening to that interviewer, I would never have gotten where I am today.
Again, you give someone the permission to tell you what you can and can’t do, be careful who you listen to.

Jacobus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As Black Sable, we specialise in designing luxury safari lodges in Africa, but recently further afield as well.

Because we specialised in this niche we have rapidly built up expertise in this field through our focus. Our narrowing has also allowed us to build up a network of industry experts in other areas of the process, such as operations, engineering, financial feasibility etc.

I think our biggest differentiator when it comes to lodge design is that we aren’t just trying to sell a pretty design, but are also interested in the nuts and bolts of the machine. We get deep into the operations of the lodge, and offer assistance with the financial feasibility through our network and our own skillset.

Therefore providing a more holistic offer.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I would say the biggest things are:

1) play to your strengths.
2) Don’t be afraid to fail.
3) Find out what you are passionate about and share that.

I have always liked performing, and was in multiple school plays, loved public speaking and always felt comfortable in front of a crowd. However my career meant that I couldn’t lean into this expertise. Until social media arrived. It took my some time to understand what and how I should use this skill, but when I realised talking to my audience using reels was my best and most natural approach, my insta page started taking-off.

Another key driver is that a lot of my content has had incredibly mediocre results. Embrace this! And when finally something does click, accept that your next post won’t match the performance that your successful post achieved did. Otherwise you won’t post again. You almost need to consider each post as starting from scratch, because you effectively are. Otherwise you will be a one-hit- wonder

I have a great disdain for how architecture is taught in universities, but my biggest frustration is that the information is hidden behind a paywall. So I decided I will share as much as I possibly can to break that wall down, I’ve also taught for most of my life as sharing knowledge is also a passion of mine. By combining these two passions, teaching and wanting to share, it has helped me find a reason to be on social. Its no longer about me, or my numbers, but rather its about my audience, their story, their mission. And since my focus has changed, my reach has dramatically shifted.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

When I started black sable, the only thing that I had that differentiated me from my competitors was my attitude. Never underestimate the power of an enthusiastic yes, or getting excited or showing emotions. This has unlocked so many doors for me. Being cool is overrated, be excited, energetic, fun, and build your expertise!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blacksable.co.za
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksableza/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blacksable/
• Youtube: @blacksableza