The well-known cycle shop, Cycle Fontain, closed its doors after 22 years of business on the 31 July this year, due to retirement.
“Although I am sad to let the shop go, I am grateful for the success we have achieved over the years and excited to finally have a holiday,” said owner Hennie Carestens.
Hennie and his wife, René opened the shop for the first time in September 1993.
“I was scared when Hennie returned home after the first day and told me the only thing he sold was a small packet of patching solution that was only worth R5 at the time. Although I felt fearful, we both believed that God will help us make ends meat,” said René .
The Carestens started their cycling business in 1991 by selling second-hand bikes every Saturdays, underneath a tree in Rabie Street.
“I would buy second-hand bikes and repair them in my garage to re-sell them again,” said Hennie.
Hennie said after two years of transporting the bicycles he decided to rent a shop where the bicycles could stand full time.
At first, the couple rented a place on the corner of Gertrude and Hester streets and eight years later, they finally bought their own shop on the corner of Second Avenue and Rabie Street.
“My passion for cycling started at the age of 11 and has not stopped ever since then,” said Hennie.
He explained that he and René will continue cycling but will no longer do any business in the cycling industry.
The couple’s next step is to move to Tzaneen where they will retire.
Hennie advised young entrepreneurs, that they should always make God their business partner to ensure success.
