Lungelo Ndlovu (23) is a make-up artist and beauty business owner. Her inspiration comes from her simple love and passion for art, citing that her mother was a subscriber of the True Love magazine.
“I would always rush to the fashion and make-up sections as soon as I had my hands on it.
“I probably held a lipstick at the age of two and my family immediately knew that they were in trouble. However, there is no Beauty without brains,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu highlighted that her business started just after Covid-19 happened, citing that she had too much time on her hands.
She added that she missed going out so much that she started doing her make-up indoors.
“When my face started to feel familiar, I did my mom’ and my grandmother’s make-up.
“ I posted pictures on social platforms and later realised that I should start doing it for a living on weekends.
“I fell in love with it and I obsessively began watching videos and tutorials. I eventually began doing research and understanding people’s skin textures and skin tone,” she added.
Ndlovu said she aspired to work as a TV presenter but having had experience in the dramatic arts, she began developing an interest in working behind the scenes for TV and theatre programmes.
“The wardrobe Crew and make-up crew became so fascinating to me whenever I would visit Urban Brew Studios and SABC.
“I had a lot of friends in the music scene industry and my church sister Ayanda Sanqela worked under Isidingo.
“I definitely see myself working as a make-up artist for a daily television show. And of course, I want my own mobile beauty studio,” stated Ndlovu.
She elaborated that her business- Beauty by Lelo is not only furnished for a make-up lover but is an all-rounder that was established in 2020.
She further mentioned that she did not want to limit herself to only make-up, saying she changed the name from ‘Beats by Lelo’ to ‘Beauty by Lelo’.
“I branched out, I do wig revamps and installations. And shortly I aim to further grow in the industry as a nail technician and a brow technician,” she added.
Ndlovu further portrayed herself as a creative person, mentioning that she loved painting growing up.
“ I did spiritual dance in church. I joined choir and dramatic arts in primary school and high school. I attended workshops and played throughout my years of high school.
“My journey has been worth it. I acknowledge and appreciate the small wins and the big wins,” elaborated Ndlovu.
She highlighted that every single client is important, adding that being in the beauty industry requires a lot of consistency and patience to see how fruitful it is.
“I understand that not everyone will be moved by the work of my hands but seeing the growth of my clientele over the past few years goes to show that I am doing something right. Overall, it has been beautiful and fulfilling,” she said.
Sharing a piece of advice, she said, one does not need to come from a rich family to make it big.
“You only need discipline to make small sacrifices that will be worth it in the bigger picture. There is no legit quick money. You need to work hard, smart and diligently to make your dreams come true.
“Register your business, pray for your business. Balance the finances and keep your personal entries separate from your business entries,” Ndlovu said.
She cited that every entrepreneur has a goal to become wealthy, and successful, and also to alleviate the community.
“If you’re not in love with it, then do not even bother starting in the first place,” she concluded.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
