Cézanne Britain is the founder and CEO of Britain Renecke, a 100% black, female-owned commercial law firm in South Africa. Her tips for a debt-free life and why she counts memories, not money.

What is your investment philosophy?
I tend to have a conservative investment philosophy that is long-term orientated rather than short-term focussed. While I believe in doing research, I am also guided by my gut feel when making investment decisions.
What advice you would give anyone who wants to invest?
I take a very conservative and long-term view on investments. From a very young age, my focus has been to save as much as you possibly can of your salary and to try and be debt-free as soon as you can. And if you can steer away from short-term credit like credit cards and short-term loans from the get go in your career, that’s probably a good thing. You are going to need to build up your credit but make sure that, for example, if you spend money on your credit card, settle the full amount at the end of the month. Don’t let it draw interest.
What is the most interesting investment decision you ever made?
When my husband and I got married, we didn’t buy wedding rings. We didn’t buy bedroom suites. We spent our money on travel. After the first financial year of business, I wanted to give my husband something to show him and thank him for all his support and I bought him a wedding band and that was two and a half years ago. And it was quality but it didn’t cost a fortune.
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What was your first big investment?
Buying my first apartment. I have generally invested in immovable property and shares and my education. Of the three, I paid for my own education and worked five jobs a year. Because I didn’t want to have debt when I started this [company] when I was 18 years old. It meant five jobs a year but it meant I graduated without a loan. There were lots of bruises along the way. But I was debt-free. The second thing I had on my list was to buy property. I then bought a bachelors apartment when I finished my articles…I was going on 23.
What lessons have you carried with you since your childhood?
I was fortunate to have parents who taught me the value of discipline, responsibility and hard work from a young age. I think most important of all, have a dream and vision and a fierceness, fearlessness and resilience to succeed.
What is the most expensive item you have?
I don’t tend to collect material things. I tend to spend money on traveling and making memories. Four years ago, I took my mom to Mauritius for the first time. I wanted her to experience what I experience. We spend our money on giving people experiences and giving ourselves experiences because memories last a lifetime. When I talk about long-term investment, I also talk about memories lasting a lifetime. You can’t get those back.
The most expensive trip you have ever taken?
A trip around the world seven years ago.
How do you describe your leadership style?
I learned a long time ago we have to use our power responsibly. I don’t have one type of leadership style, but rather a combination of autocratic, transformational, coaching and visionary leadership.

CB-Pic-standing

Investing In Memories, Not Material

How do you keep the crowd interested in your comedy?
Be honest, because they need to realize you are one of them.
What is your business strategy?
You need to be open to what is going on in the industry. There was a time where we were able to plan a year in advance, but we can’t do that anymore. Social media platforms are evolving so fast. You can’t drop the same images and messages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You have got to do it differently… So stay current and on top of things. It is also more than just about the technology; there are networking opportunities springing up.
What is your investment philosophy?
I am a conservative investor. I go for short-term investments rather than long-term investments. I would like to keep it to the medium range of risk.
Financial discipline means…?
Knowing when to say no, no matter how good it feels.
How do you remain financially disciplined?
I struggle a lot.
How have you diversified your investments?
I own a couple of classic cars. I also have a couple of properties.
Your most recent acquisition?
I bought a piece of property on Long Street, Cape Town.
You most regrettable financial blunder since you entered the industry?
Starting the comedy club! It was difficult making a concept like a comedy club work in a conservative space five years ago when I started.
However, it became the best decision I ever made. At the time, it was a huge investment of energy and time to get it started. On one or two occasions, I remember thinking this was too hard. It has been a very bitter-sweet thing but in the end, the advantages are huge and the disadvantages just as staggering…The theory of business is basically failure till you reach the point of success. But failure is a very important part of success. You can’t have the one without the other.
<div id="attachment_36696" style="width: 210px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36696" class="size-medium wp-image-36696" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MG_9957-5-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />Kurt Schoonraad. Photo by Casey Bertie</div>
How do you decide your fee?
My personal fee is affordable. I think it is important to stay within range. It is very easy to price yourself out of the [market]. We need to understand that the universe has not made all comedians equal. My fee is about R35,000 ($2,600) for a 45 minute-to-an hour set.
How much is it to start a comedy club and what does it entail?
More money than you know how to come up with but you figure it out. It is [just] one of those things. There was no comedy club in Cape Town yet there was one in Johannesburg. It is a no-brainer that comedy needed a home in Cape Town…I had to sell one or two classic cars and my partner also invested heavily in my business. It is at the V&amp;A Waterfront [in Cape Town] so the rent is extremely high. It was worth it because at least 30 percent of our audience is not from Africa. We would have not been able to call on that market had we not been situated where we are.
How do you strike a balance between being an entrepreneur and a comedian?
This must be the thing I am struggling with the most. By just opening up the comedy club, people assumed you have taken up the other side. In the early stages, I found out that there are very huge demands on the business side of things. I work during the day and I perform at night.
Money or fame?
Most definitely, fame.

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Investing In Memories, Not Material

A Serious Investment For A Funny Man