In the buzzing heart of Durban, Alta Haffner is the ultimate multitasker – and she makes it look effortlessly chic! Whether she’s dominating the business world, writing poetry, leading her community, or being a supermom, Alta’s got the juggling act down to a fine art.
Together with her husband, Charles R. Haffner, she co-owns Sakura, a thriving self-publishing company, all while effortlessly weaving the elegance of haiku into her daily routine. With a passion for Japanese culture and a deep connection to her local library, Alta’s journey is as captivating as the poetry she creates.
So, how does she balance a flourishing career, family life, and her creative passions? In this exclusive interview, Alta reveals the secrets to her success – how she built a strong family business and why her love for literature keeps her going strong. Who says you can’t have it all?
“Every single person deserves to have a voice and we take that and turn into a vision.”– Alta Haffner Owner of Sakura Publishing and Writer.
FEMME: Let’s get personal: Who is Alta Haffner when the business hat comes off? What passions or hobbies fuel your soul beyond the publishing world?
Alta Haffner: I am the same in business and in my personal life because I believe in being yourself. Flaws and all! And my hobbies definitely include all things art. A little painting a day keeps your creativity up and helps you even in the most mundane jobs.
Juggling the roles of mother, wife, and businesswoman must bring its challenges. What’s been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned on this journey with your self-publishing company?
I have a wonderful balance between it all, but if I have to be honest, the biggest lesson thus far is that life is fleeting and we have to show up for each beautiful moment as well as the incredibly difficult dark times.
Poetry and entrepreneurship—two worlds that don’t often collide. How does your love for writing shape your business mindset? Do your poetic musings ever weave their way into your entrepreneurial strategy?
In a way they do go hand in hand these days but I do separate my writing time from my business cap, it all comes back to balancing. Once that is mastered the world is yours!
We heard whispers that you’re planning to launch local poetry workshops, with a special focus on haiku. What sparked this idea, and how do you envision these lessons taking shape in the future?
Ah, now this is my little, big dream. Not only will they be in person for local writers but online too for our international friends. I simply just want anyone to feel free to ask for any help with their writing as well as their writing process (and fears) and I would love to nurture a little community of “Authors supporting Authors”
Your involvement with Durban’s local libraries speaks volumes. In your view, how do libraries empower communities, and what mark do you hope to leave through your work with them?
Oh, my goodness. They have been incredibly supportive of both our company and all our books (including other authors) we are in conversation about doing little Haiku workshop for the kids too. They include us in all their events and my wish is for every author to launch their book at their local library.
As a powerhouse in both literature and business, what’s the biggest misconception people have about making a career in the literary world?
That they will have a bestseller overnight! This is hard work. Lack of sleep will be your best friend (or enemy ha ha) it will be frustrating, but most of all it will be worth it. If I could do it all over again, I would not change a thing.
Running a family business is no easy feat. What’s the secret to keeping a strong, dynamic partnership with your husband while managing the challenges of the publishing industry together?
Oh, that is the easiest to answer. We are both passionate about books, we support each other’s dreams and when we have difficult moment’s we have brainstorming sessions at the ocean while sipping coffee. Honestly, nothing is impossible where love lives.
Marketing can be daunting, especially for self-published authors. What innovative strategies have you used to help these writers break through and get noticed in such a competitive space?
That is still tough! For me it is reading sessions on a Tik Tok live or sending PR packages (we do a few of those a month) Most importantly you need to understand who your readers are, and where to find them… then give them content that will keep them interested.
Your company, Sakura, hints at a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, especially with your haiku expertise. What drew you to this cultural influence, and how does it resonate with your brand?
My biggest mentor will always be Basho. Sakura was founded on my love of cherry blossoms and my favorite color is pink and when it all came together it just all made sense… and felt right.
Pink is undeniably a color that embodies femininity and strength! For aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to make their mark, what’s the one piece of advice you believe could make all the difference?
Just simply “Show up for your dreams”, and don’t ever be afraid to follow them with all your heart and soul.
