When Gqeberha 
entrepreneur Zama Gege started mixing natural oils at home in 2022, she was simply looking for relief for her sensitive skin, dandruff and thinning hair.
Many of the products Gege tried caused skin irritation, prompting her to look for a gentler alternative.
“I was looking for something that wouldn’t irritate my skin,” she said.
Her search led her to a pharmacy that sold natural ingredients, and a conversation with a dermatologist guided her on how to safely combine essential oils. Within days of using her own mixtures, Gege’s skin and scalp improved.
She started mixing products for a few people and then realised that her personal solution could become a business.
She also completed a formulation course at Nelson Mandela University and began producing cleansers, serums and other skincare and haircare products under her brand, I Plus ZG.
When producing the products, Gege buys raw materials in bulk from local suppliers to reduce costs while maintaining product quality.
Support from the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) helped the young business move from an idea to a growing enterprise. SEDFA assisted with the website, business advice and funding for product testing.
Gege said the agency contributed R15 000 for the website and R56 000 for testing with the University of Limpopo.
“SEDFA helped me a lot. That’s the only reason why my business exists.”
She recalled entering a business competition where she was told she could not win because her products had not yet been approved. When the results came back, they gave her the confidence to pitch and sell.
The business currently has one permanent employee and works with part-time brand ambassadors. Gege has also introduced a reseller model, supporting six women who buy and resell her products.
I Plus ZG products were recently listed on Amazon, a milestone Gege describes as both exciting and demanding because of the platform’s requirements.
For Gege, the mission is bigger than selling skincare: it is about growing her brand while encouraging others to pursue entrepreneurship.
“There won’t be a perfect time to start a business. Start with what you have, where you are today,” Gege concluded.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp