Nthabiseng Lillian Lamola is a dynamic woman who balances the roles of wife, mother, and entrepreneur with grace and determination. As the founder of LSN Shades (Li Skin Naturals), she has carved out a unique space in the world of business while remaining deeply rooted in her values. Born in Mokopane, Moshate, in Limpopo Province, Nthabiseng was raised in a close-knit family with her three younger siblings. Family is the foundation of her life, providing her with strength and positivity. Her guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “You become what you think… You get what you wish for others.”
Nthabiseng’s entrepreneurial journey began during a period of unemployment, a time when her financial situation was challenging. Despite these constraints, the dream of starting her own business stayed with her, even after she secured a full-time job in the government sector. As her 40th birthday approached, she decided to gift herself something she had never had before, a business of her own. This desire, combined with her unwavering business idea, led to the creation of LSN Shades, a venture that she sees as perfectly timed by fate.
Even as she continues her government role, Nthabiseng has embraced entrepreneurship with LSN Shades as her first business endeavor. Her journey is a testament to her belief in trusting the timing of life and the power of resilience in pursuing one’s dreams.
About LSN Shades
Founded in June 2022, LSN Shades offers more than just sunglasses; they provide protection, style, and a personal touch. Each pair of sunglasses is UV-protected, impact-resistant, and meets health and safety environmental standards, ensuring that wearers are shielded from harsh sunlight. The frames are presented in a sleek Black Matte Box, accompanied by a Brown Leather Pouch and a Microfibre cloth, adding a luxurious feel to the practicality. Additionally, the frames can be customized with prescription lenses, and the company’s Crystal Lens Cleaning spray ensures lenses remain clear and bacteria-free.
The name “LSN Shades” is a deeply personal choice for founder Nthabiseng Lillian Lamola. After the passing of her father in 2002, she sought a business name that would honor her life journey and the legacy of her father, who had given her both of her names, Nthabiseng and Lillian. The name LSN, standing for Li Skin Naturals, combines these names and reflects her growth, healing, and the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin. For Nthabiseng, LSN Shades is not just a business, it’s a reflection of her strength and a tribute to the values she holds dear.
Navigating the World of Sunglasses
Entering the sunglasses industry wasn’t Nthabiseng’s original plan, but the opportunity aligned well with her broader vision. “It was easy for me to venture in it,” she says, acknowledging the serendipity of the moment. Through her personal and professional experiences, Nthabiseng has learned that “things may not go as planned,” a lesson that has shaped her approach to business. She believes in the importance of listening to that “inner voice we are all born with” and staying prepared for unexpected challenges.
While the challenges she has faced in the industry have been minor, what she refers to as “hitches rather than challenges”, she has found value in networking with fellow entrepreneurs. These interactions revealed that many business owners share common struggles, particularly in areas like finances and marketing strategies. Despite her own financial limitations, she feels her resources were “sufficient to move forward.”
Strategies to Grow and Scale LSN Shades
LSN Shades is growing through a combination of social media marketing, networking, and participation in events. These strategies have been successful, allowing the business to gain visibility and traction. LSN Shades has also secured a retail space in Edenvinne Store, located in Menlyn Park Shopping Mall, Pretoria, with hopes of expanding into more retail spaces in the future.
The positive reception LSN Shades has received in both online and in-store settings has been overwhelming and motivating for Nthabiseng. This success reinforces her belief in the power of strategic growth and community support.
Values and Money Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Nthabiseng’s journey as an entrepreneur is guided by values like humility, determination, and an open mind. She focuses on what’s important, striving to achieve her goals while accepting what she cannot change. Reflecting on her experiences with money, she acknowledges that “money is a root of all evil, they say,” and understands its power to either make or break a business. Her advice is clear: “Profit must be the least of your focus.” Instead, she emphasizes the importance of saving and staying true to the purpose and goals that drive the business forward.
What Is the One Thing You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey?
Nthabiseng feels fortunate to have conducted thorough research and networking before starting her business. “So basically, I knew everything I needed know” she explains. Because of this preparation, she believes she was well-equipped with the knowledge she needed from the beginning.
What Are Your Views on Personal Branding as an Entrepreneur?
Personal branding, according to Nthabiseng, is about the values you embody and the impression you leave on others. This is crucial in entrepreneurship because the way you carry yourself directly reflects on your business and can have a significant impact on its success.
Balancing Family and Business
For Nthabiseng, balancing the roles of wife, mom, and entrepreneur is made easier by having a supportive partner who shares her aspirations. “We found ways of spending time with the kids,” she explains, and her husband’s involvement in the business is another way they connect. Their similar work hours allow them to be home together, maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst their busy schedules. Open communication is key; Nthabiseng and her husband sat down with their children to explain why they started the business, which “really strengthened our communication and bond” as a family.
Nthabiseng’s Strong Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
“Safeguard and be jealous of what you are building.” She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and being prepared for the possibility that “not everything you plan will be a success.” Thorough research is essential, but she also cautions against oversharing ideas, as chancers, sometime even those close to you, can take advantage. Nthabiseng advises setting boundaries, particularly when it comes to family and friends. “Do not use your business to keep family and friends,” she warns, insisting on no free services or products to maintain professionalism and set the right tone.
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