Being raised by a single mother was enough for celebrity stylist Mamello Makha to start her own business empire.
Makha said her mother made a living through selling sweets and snacks, noting that her pregnancy took her down memory lane inspiring her to ensure the success of Mamello Makha Exotic Beauty Salon.
The business boasts six branches in Gauteng, as well as the Mamello Makha Boutique.
It all started with plaiting dolls then attending house calls for hair and make-up in her neighbourhood in Bloemfontein, Free State.
Makha now stands tall as a celebrity stylist in the country, boasting a clientele that includes Mzansi’s favourites Makhadzi, Dineo Ranaka, Maleh and Mawoo.
She was also involved with the Gauteng Sports Awards 2022, Bernini Gow Getter Event 2022, and Metro FM Awards.
“Your work will always speak for itself. Touching a celebrity’s face is not just for anyone and it is not an easy task, but your work will lead you to these celebrities,” she said.
“I am also one person that has very reasonable pricing, even though I am [based] in Sandton. That is why I am being supported.
“They have made me trend. I remember at one time I was being praised for the make-up I made on Makhadzi, the changes I brought to her looks and everything.
“As I said, I love it when women look beautiful. Recently, I was also trending with Sophie Ndaba.”
However, she said starting a business is not easy, noting that it all depends on the money one has to kickstart the business.
Even after that, the business owner would still need to sustain it by attracting clients. Marketing the business is another challenge, as new clients struggle trusting a new stylist.
Makha used herself as a model for marketing purposes, constantly changing hairstyles and doing her own make-up for potential clients to visit the salon.
“Marketing is very important for any business. That is the only way to get people to know about your brand and services. Word of mouth is also part of marketing, that is why it is important to keep clients happy.
“I remember when I started in the beauty space, there was a lot of competition around me, a lot of salons,” she said.
“If you look around, salons are at every corner, but one thing that would make you survive is when you stick to your own lane, understanding what you do, and being smart and creative with what you do.
The businesswoman said she would motivate anyone with a passion in beauty to understand their uniqueness, and not hesitate to build their own empire once they have found their true love.
“Any dream is possible with prayer, determination, discipline and hard work.
“You need to be resilient because there will be a lot of challenges that comes along the way, but you have to remember why you started.”
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
