The rise of KChesley cosmetics

Nestled in Mandawe, Scottburgh, KChesley Cosmetics is a shining example of how passion, resilience, and innovation can create new opportunities.

Founded in 2018 by young entrepreneur Chesley Khwela, the company began as a small-scale manufacturer of lip care products.

“I started with lip balms under the KChesley brand…It was a simple idea — creating quality lip care products that were locally made and affordable.”

However, like many small businesses, KChesley Cosmetics faced major setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID-19 happened in 2020, people were wearing masks, and I couldn’t sell my products. The business died,” she admits.

But from the ashes of that challenge, a new idea emerged.

During a visit to a friend’s church — a prominent African independent congregation that blends Christian teachings with traditional Zulu spirituality — Khwela identified a gap in the market.

“At the church, I noticed that a lot of men grew their hair and beards long… I conducted a survey asking them how they took care of their facial hair. Their responses helped me realise that there was a real demand for proper grooming products.”

Armed with this insight, Khwela decided to venture into the male grooming industry.

“I approached the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) entrepreneurship office and pitched my idea. They advised me to partner with chemistry students who could help develop product formulations. We had several meetings, and together we managed to create the first prototype.”

To strengthen her expertise, Khwela was encouraged to enrol in a cosmetic manufacturing course at DUT.

This marked the birth of the OOOWH MAN brand — a range of men’s grooming products, including beard oil, beard balm, beard wash, beard conditioner, and a complete beard grooming kit. “That’s how the OOOWH MAN product range was born,” said Khwela proudly.

Beyond house brands

As the business grew, KChesley Cosmetics expanded its operations beyond its in-house brands.

“I started manufacturing other products and began securing clients — DUT was among the first. We then ventured into private labelling, which is when one company produces a product that another brands, markets, and sells under its own name.”

The KChesley brand continues to operate, now with a thriving private label division.

“We’ve already secured a few clients — among them are the Umdoni Local Municipality, a DUT faculty, a hotel in Durban, and another in Port Edward. We also work with several other companies and non-governmental organisations.”

The company currently employs five people — two permanent and three on contract. Khwela initially funded the business using savings from her National Student Financial Aid Scheme stipend.

“I used that money to buy ingredients and the equipment I needed.”

Additional support later came from DUT and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) through its Cosmetics and Essential Oils Industry Support Programme, which helped establish the business’s first laboratory on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Despite the progress, challenges persist.

“Sourcing ingredients is expensive. We often have to import them in large quantities because of minimum-order requirements. Accessing markets is another hurdle — we need stronger product awareness.”

Looking ahead, Khwela has big ambitions. “I want to see OOOWH MAN products in at least 30 barbershops across South Africa,” she said confidently.

Currently, the brand supplies local salons and has active distributors in both KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg.

For more information, visit www.ooowhman.co.za.  
You can also call 078 748 9879 or email info@ooowhman.co.za.
The KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA can be reached at www.kznedtea.gov.za.