Meet Lwandy Ngebe, a small business owner and founder of a popular hair studio called Estudio Glam. Ngebe has been hosting beauty and fashion events in East London and the Eastern Cape for over 10 years. She recently hosted a business seminar for hair and beauty professionals. Hailing from Tsolo, Ngebe hopes to aid people looking to start or grow their small enterprises.
Ngebe’s primary motivation lies in helping local designers and beauticians to promote their work.
A CRUSADE FOR CREATIVITY
“I was born in the province. I always loved helping talented people, especially unemployed youth in the area, to get into the fashion and beauty industry. Using my business network and partnership with Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), this has slowly begun to happen,” the passionate Ngebe said.
To equip stylists with industry insights and practical solutions, Ngebe hosted a free business seminar, a step she felt was most impactful.
”I focus on promoting industry growth and job creation by enhancing skills development and training.”
HOW THE SEMINAR WORKED
Beyond bringing like-minded people together under one roof, Ngebe’s seminars aim to promote a knowledgeable approach to the hair and beauty industry of the Eastern Cape.
The seminar, which took place on May 22 at the ECDC head offices, was a collaborative effort between Estudio Glam, the ECDC and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency.
Other partners included the South African Local Government Association, the Employers’ Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and the Bargaining Council.
Various stakeholders also demonstrated the industry’s commitment to collective growth and development. Her reach will need to grow in time, as just 105 people attended this seminar.
THE HOPES AND DESIRES OF A HAIR GURU
For as long as Ngebe can recall, her passion has been centred around hair and beauty. Her love for the Eastern Cape makes these seminars the perfect undertaking for her.
“I see the industry growing on a large scale if we help more unemployed youth get support from the private and public sector,” she explained.
THE CHALLENGES OF HAIR AND BEAUTY
As with any business venture, this field is fraught with perils and obstacles that anyone looking to carve a pathway in this industry will need to navigate and circumvent.
“People in this field lack opportunities and funding from the private and public sectors. Designers rely on fashion weeks in the big cities to market their clothes. Some cannot afford to pay for those big platforms,” she lamented.
Ngebe ensures that well-established business people attend her seminars to impart some of their knowledge and expertise.
“The business experts share valuable insights on how to help the industry grow and support the individuals who might be struggling to enhance their businesses.
“We always hope to provide innovative industry insights, innovative strategies, and practical solutions to challenges facing the hair and fashion sector.”
The attendees received one-on-one business coaching sessions from industry experts, stakeholders, and government representatives. These industry captains shared their knowledge, experiences, and best practices for running a business in the hair and beauty industry.
OVERCOMING HAIRY SITUATIONS IN THE HAIR BUSINESS
Ngebe has been around long enough to be in a position to offer words of encouragement along with some sage advice to anyone looking to find their way in what can be a demanding industry.
“Build a strong network of experts and professionals. These can be people in other industries who will build your customer base. Always be sure to practise good business ethics that keep your customers happy with your services.”
If this is a space you have been thinking about venturing into, then take heed.
“Know your brand, study your market, network, and always keep your brand reputable,” Ngebe urged.
Ngebe’s EStudio Glam will be hosting a lot more of these seminars as the year progresses.
“We have future projects and seminars coming. We hope to make them bigger to impact more beauticians and fashion designers to participate.”
Ngebe believes that a lot more work needs to be done to elevate this stream of business and creativity.
WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE DONE TO STIMULATE MORE GROWTH IN SOUTH AFRICA’S HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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