Afrotexture has the right formula for success

A combination of tragic events and good fortune led Nokwanda Mngadi to start her hair care business in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

After battling depression and struggling with her studies in Gauteng, Mngadi moved to KwaZulu-Natal and started Afrotexture in her home province.

Afrotexture is an organic and traditional haircare range that uses indigenous ingredients to suit the demands of black hair. 

“The organic treatments are formulated to revolutionise the way black women care for their kinks and coils. We offer in-depth hair consultations by appointment to provide clients with professional advice on the available treatments that are best suited for their hair type,” explains Mngadi.

In 2021, she moved from Pretoria back home to Newcastle. At the time, the 26-year-old was dealing with depression, had been unable to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Studies degree and her grandmother had passed away.

While she had already started Afrotexture in Pretoria, it was the move to Newcastle that saw the business grow. “In Pretoria, I would go for months with just one client. The area I lived in might have contributed to this – it was a suburban area. In the township it is easier to advertise and word of mouth also helps,” said Mngadi.

Her mother also proved to be a big asset.

“She told a lot of people about the products and there was a lot of interest. One weekend people were just flocking in… and I made money – about R1 500 in two days. I thought to myself: ‘Maybe I can come back home for this,” Mngadi said.

While developing her products, she spent a lot of time on YouTube, which she describes as “a university” in its own right, conducting extensive research.

Mngadi said that Afrotexture does not just sell haircare products. It also tests hair to determine its type and suitable products. This year, Afrotexture was part of the Social Economy Development Programme at the University of KwaZuluNatal, which is funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

Mngadi received extensive marketing and financial management and planning training from the programme.

“I’m now a better social entrepreneur, the programme has made me understand what it means to be a social entrepreneur. It made me see how we could grow both as a brand and business. It helped me realise that I am not just here to open a business, but to see how can I better my community,” she said.