Creative thinker turns skills into a business opportunity

She started her hair business in 2021 just after graduating from a hairdressing learnership programme at The Beauty Hub Academy.

She told her story by mentioning that she learned to do hair at a very young age while playing with her friends.

She said that they would normally take turns with braiding one another.

“While at the salon for my hair appointment(s), I would watch closely when the braider was braiding my hair and would copy some of her techniques,” she said.

As time progressed, Kunene realised her potential and love for hair and thought to herself that she could start a fruitful business.

“Luckily we also have TikTok now which allows us to watch braiding tutorials and keep up with the latest trends,” Kunene said.

“I got a job somewhere but resorted to doing hair part-time as a side hustle.

“In 2022 after my employment contract ended, I started focusing more on my business and I’ve been at it till today,” said Kunene.

Kunene mentioned that she started her business as a work-from-home start-up and recently decided to rent a station at another salon.

“Although I knew that I wanted to own a salon of my own, I had to get myself a place that would allow me to offer more services so I could make more money and turn my dream into a reality.

“My journey has been amazing. I meet different people all the time, I get to deal with different personalities which reminds me to always keep my ethical behavior in mind, for the success of my business. It also allows me to build healthy relationships with my clients,” she mentioned.

She highlighted that dealing with difficult clients is the biggest disadvantage that comes with the job highlighting that some people like to oppose challenges by continuously being late for their appointments.

“This affects my schedule in most cases. Others will question your pricing, and others will just challenge how you run your business.

“I’ve had to sacrifice a lot on a personal level for my business to be where it’s at now.

“Businesses are a continuous thing which also comes with a lot of commitment, consistency, and discipline,” she highlighted.

Kunene further expressed her gratefulness towards all the hardships that she has encountered, adding that they have shaped her into the person she is today.

“Growth is the one thing I wish for my business. I wish to grow so much in the hair and beauty industry so that it also inspires the upcoming generation.

“They need to see that with hard work and determination, it is possible to fulfill one’s dream,” she added.

She added that she wishes to find sponsorships, and financial assistance to assist boost her business for stability.

Kunene is a skillful individual who believes in self-empowerment. She is furthering her studies in the beauty sector and has enrolled at The Beauty Therapy Institute where she is currently studying Make-Up.

And is fully prepared to take on a full diploma in beauty.

“My hard work has inspired me. I aim to create jobs and contribute towards our economic development.

“I also wish to host tutorial classes in the near future.

“I would really encourage people to take the risk of starting their own businesses. They should also know that a business requires one to be consistent, to believe in themselves, and to have a lot of discipline,” she said.

As advised she said, “People should seek more knowledge about the hair and beauty industry by going to school so they can learn the importance of carrying out ethical behaviors and add to the skills that they already have,” advised Kunene.