Mamelodi entrepreneur turns haircare challenge into business opportunity

A struggle to care for her natural hair while working in the corporate sector inspired Pontso Dibakwane to start her own beauty business.

The Mamelodi entrepreneur founded Curly Crowns Beauty in 2021. The business produces natural hair and skincare products designed to strengthen hair and keep skin moisturised.

"I left my job as a business developer at an information technology company because I wanted to build something of my own," said Dibakwane.

To build the business, Dibakwane studied cosmetic formulation through online courses and completed training funded by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) at Nelson Mandela University.

"CHIETA support helped open the door for me to enter the cosmetics industry," said Dibakwane. "The training gave me the knowledge and confidence to make products that are safe for the market," she said.

Her product range includes a clarifying shampoo, hair butter, conditioner, hair spray, hair growth oil and beard oil. "My products are for women and men who want healthier hair and who want to understand and care for their natural hair," she said.

Dibakwane currently manufactures her products at an incubator run by The Innovation Hub in Mamelodi.

The business has also received support from Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), including equipment such as laptops and printers.

She is still awaiting funding approval for additional production equipment, including a homogeniser, filling machine, pots and heaters. 

Dibakwane aims to grow her brand and supply major retailers. "More funding would help me buy equipment and increase production," she said.

The business currently employs four people in production and sales.

"I want to see these products reach more women who are embracing their natural hair and looking for products that work for them," she said. 

Curly Crowns Beauty products are available via curlycrownsbeauty.com and on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp under the handle Curly Crowns_SA.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) supports skills development and training within South Africa's chemical industries sector through learnerships, bursaries, internships and workplace training programmes. For more information, contact info@chieta.org.za or +27 11 628 7000.

The GEP supports small businesses and cooperatives through funding, business support services and entrepreneurship development programmes in Gauteng. For more information, contact gepenquiries@gep.co.za or 087 057 2000.