The Randburg Business Forum (RBF) held a talk at Benvenuto Conference and Training Centre in Kelland on 19 August with famous businesswoman Perle ‘Gigi’ van Schalkwyk.
RBF is a forum for ideas to be shared among like-minded people, with a guest speaker who brings in important trends, events and concerns related to business and the economy.
In her address to the audience, she spoke of the various business adventures she and her partners have embarked on namely, her Broadway show Nipplecaps and G-strings, winning Survivor: South Africa Santa Carolina in 2010.
Gigi spoke about the business side of being the co-owner of Lollypop Lounge, an erotic dance club in Randburg.
The notorious strip club is not as sleazy as reports would have the public believe, so Gigi says, “We help young girls with financial support for things like university.”
In many cases, the public pity women that work at the club – however, the dancers are ‘down to earth’.
“This is show business and show business is hard and the women at the club work very hard for the money they earn.”
Gigi says when you enter the club, you are entering “a place of fantasy” with a classy, clean Moulin Rouge style.
This is a business that has tapped into a niche sector of the consumer market, where you can gain a sensual experience whether it be for couples, bachelors or even for a business lunch.
Mike Scrole, co-owner of Lollypop Lounge said, “I have been in this industry for 27 years and I have seen it help young girls to do something with their lives, it’s like any other business.”
Over all, the guests found the talk informative as it gave light to the business matters of an industry that is often seen as shady.
Details: Randburg Business Forum, rbforum@mweb.co.za or 011 792 5222.
