“I’m a 28-year-old female. I’m from Newcastle, Amajuba District. I’m a certified hair-loss consultant by UKZN.” Nono, a young entrepreneur, is making waves in the hair-care industry. Her journey, though filled with obstacles, is a testament to perseverance and determination. She has turned her personal experiences with hair and skin issues into a thriving business. Nono’s journey wasn’t a straight path but one filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-discovery.
Starting at the University of Johannesburg in 2016, Nono pursued a higher certificate in marketing, but the path took a sudden turn. “I didn’t complete that. In 2017, I moved into doing a degree in developmental studies,” she shares. The pressure of her studies eventually led to depression, and she was forced to drop out multiple times. “I’ve dropped out of university four times,” she admits. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Nono’s entrepreneurial spirit was awakened.
With the unexpected free time, she began experimenting with hair products, laying the foundation for what would later become her business, Afrotexture. “It occurred to me that since we have different blood types and skin types, there must be different hair types,” she recalls. This realization fueled her passion for creating personalized hair solutions. Nono dedicated months to learning and perfecting her craft, making sure her knowledge was clear and accessible to everyone, even a five-year-old. This, combined with positive feedback from friends and clients, sparked the beginning of Afrotexture.
The name “Afrotexture” holds a deep meaning for Nono. Initially chosen because other business names were unavailable, she later discovered its significance. “Afrotexture is a description of everyone who has black hair in the world. It’s a word that is used globally,” she explains. Though some were skeptical about the name, Nono believed in it and continued to push forward, trusting her vision and ensuring the brand was beautifully represented.
Despite her success, Nono’s journey hasn’t been easy. She faced crime, including a break-in at her place of business. “I can say I understand the downside of having a business eKasi (township),” she reflects. There were also challenges with collaboration, as she faced issues of people stealing her logo and ideas. But through it all, she remains hopeful, saying, “I’m still hopeful that there are good people to work with and will still be collaborating with others in the future.”
What sets Nono apart is her deep connection to her clients. “Before you can buy our products, I need to assess your problem,” she says. This personalized approach has allowed her to provide tailored solutions for hair loss and scalp issues. She stresses that each person is different, and understanding the root cause of hair loss is key to finding the right treatment. One of her top-selling products, the daily routine spray, has helped countless clients restore their hair’s moisture and color.
Nono’s commitment to education is also a driving force behind her business success. “I believe in education. I’m in about three, if not five programs at the moment to help enrich my knowledge,” she says. She credits her business course at UKZN for giving her the confidence and credibility she needed to succeed in the industry. Last year, she received an award from the university, and her business, Afrotexture, is now the top-rated online company in the Newcastle municipality.
While her entrepreneurial journey has had its ups and downs, Nono has learned valuable lessons about money and business. “It becomes a challenge when you start and do not have capital,” she explains. In the early stages, Nono had to make difficult decisions, using business funds for survival rather than growth. But as time passed, she was able to separate personal and business finances, allowing her company to flourish. “Only this year did I manage to pay myself,” she says with pride.
For Nono, personal branding is closely tied to the success of her business. “Nono is Afrotexture, Afrotexture is Nono,” she emphasizes. Everywhere she goes, she makes sure her brand is visible. From branded pens to shirts, she strongly believes in making her business known. “Even if people are not buying from me, they must know the brand,” she adds.
Her values of humility, kindness, and respect have also played a significant role in her journey. “No amount of accolades or achievements will ever make me think I’m better than others,” she reflects. Discipline, instilled in her by her mother, has been crucial in helping her manage the demands of running a business while maintaining emotional intelligence in client interactions.
Nono’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Stop expecting people to assist you with anything.” She believes in self-sufficiency and following one’s instincts. “In business, you need to have a moment of solitude where you’re just in your corner, you forget about the world and build this vision.” For Nono, business is more than just a job; it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and dedication.
As she continues to build Afrotexture, Nono remains hopeful and focused on her mission of helping others with their hair and scalp issues. “Just do your best, and that’s it,” she concludes, a simple yet powerful message for anyone on their own entrepreneurial path.
Leave a Reply