Impact Partner Content - Absa
Pitsi Ledwaba is from Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and the founder of Bonolo Naturals, a growing natural, organic beauty brand. For the past 12 years she has been in the retail industry managing both local and international brands. It is where she fell in love with beauty, fashion and everything that makes people look and feel good.
Bonolo Naturals is one of the 117 businesses from across South Africa currently being showcased at the Absa Lionesses Xpo. Founder Pitsi Ledwaba shares her entrepreneurial journey and her vision to be a key player in the South African beauty industry.
What does your company do?
Bonolo Naturals provides handmade organic products for hair and skin. Our products can be used by both young and old. Our butters are raw and unrefined and are 100% organic. Our oils are 100% organic containing lubricated properties that make for amazing hair and skin. Our products help fight aging and scars, strengthen hair, and help with hair growth. We are working hard to produce more hair and skin products that our clients will love.
What inspired you to start your company?
My love for nature. I personally believe that the secret of beauty lies in nature. I have always mixed a lot of products to help get rid of my acne and just to keep my hair moist. I love experimenting with natural ingredients. Today, what I love doing has given me an amazing brand called Bonolo Naturals, which is not only a solution for my skin and hair but has also helped a lot of people get that amazing glow and beautiful hair.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Bonolo Naturals is special because it has brought a solution not only to me but to other women out there. I believe through my products I have made a lot of women's life easier. I have seen ladies’ confidence go from a zero to a hundred just by using my products. This in my books makes Bonolo Naturals special.
Tell us a little about your team
My team consists of people close to my heart which I regard as family. Bonolo Naturals outsources service and skills from the following people: I have 3 models who are the face of the brand and 1 bike delivery man. In my team I also have beauty parlours who house and sell my products. And last but not least my fiancée who through his company put together our online store and website which is helping with the smooth sailing of our brand.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I grew up around strong business women in my family. They never relied on a single income. They had multiple streams of income. If they were in corporate, they also pushed their side hustles too. So all of them inspired me to start this very business that you see today.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To build and maintain long term trust with customers. To build a good reputation in the field of beauty, and to be a key player in the South African beauty industry. Through Bonolo Naturals I would like to help others start their own brands and walk step by step with them until they too are successful. Empowering others so they too can provide for their families.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
It has to be the feedback I get from customers regarding my products. The compliments I get regarding my uncompromising excellence I put into my business, the fact that people notice my work, that on its own is enough for me.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Put fear aside and start.
To find out more about Bonolo Naturals and the full range of products on offer, contact founder Pitsi Ledwaba via email pitsiledwaba27@gmail.com or visit the company website http://www.bonolonaturals.co.za
