Tshegofatso Dolo, the director of Flame Creations, a beauty and style business in Mokopane, Limpopo has set her sights on growing the business into a franchise with a footprint across the country.
Founded in 2018, the business operates in the beauty, cosmetics and personal care industry.
“The vision was to operate in the beauty, cosmetics and personal care industry. When we started, I had identified a gap in the market, particularly in Mokopane for nail enhancement, massage therapy, facial treatment, make-up and eyelash installation,” she explained.
At the time, Dolo was working in Mokopane and used to travel from Polokwane. “I found myself struggling when needing to do massages and nail treatments and I thought it was ridiculous to travel to Polokwane to get the service. I decided to open a spa in Mokopane. Right now we are going to expand our service menu to include hairdressing.”
She said the journey over the past six years had its ups and downs.
Dolo used her savings to start the business and it took her six months to get the business off the ground and break even.
One of her biggest challenges, however, was that the business was unable to retain staff, resulting in a high employee turnover.
“Because the industry is not necessarily regulated, anyone anywhere can just set it up… so we lose a lot of people who go on to start their own things. It is something that I think is happening across the country.”
Flame Creations currently has six employees.
While the venture was initially self-funded, last year Flame Creations received a R243 850 grant from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) Assist Funding initiative. This was over and above the marketing and branding support and business advisor services she received from Seda in 2019.
She adds that her ultimate goal was to build a lifestyle centre franchise with a footprint across the country as well as producing her own products.
“I have a model and it seems to be working,” she concluded.
To book an appointment, call or WhatsApp on 081 316 2770. The business is also available on Facebook https://web.facebook.com/p/Flame-Creations-Beauty-Bar-100057331245552/?… and Instagram.
Call 012 748 9600 or email helpline@sefa.org.za for more information on sefa. You can also visit www.sefa.org.za. For more information about Seda call 0860 663 7867 email info@seda.org.za or visit www.seda.org.za
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