The rise of a beauty mogul

Driven by her passion for the beauty industry, a 33 year-old make-up artist has been inspired to diversify her product offering and establish her own skincare line. Amanda Nyoka, a self-taught make-up artist started her career in 2013 as an intern for a community broadcaster in the Eastern Cape.

This was after her friend, who recognised her talent as a hairdresser and a make-up artist, recommended her to the television station. After five years in the field, Nyoka decided to establish her business Amish Beauty & Glamor which offers a range of beauty services, including make-up services, weave installation and hair styling. “I decided to formalise my business by having a place of business to operate in, and I invested in branding for the business,” Nyoka said.

In 2021, she approached the National Youth Development Agency for funding. The agency recommended that she complete a Business Management Training course. “I received training in October 2021 and thereafter a R50 000 grant. I purchased make-up tools as well as office equipment. I started my skincare line because I wanted to have a sustainable business. “I am also passionate about skincare; hence I chose it for my business. 

I used to mix different ingredients at home and give it to friends and family for their opinions. They helped me when I was developing my products and once I found a formula that worked, I designed the packaging for the products and started selling it as Amish Health Skin using social media,” she said.

The products for the skincare line include body lotion, tissue oil, face serum, face cream and bar soaps. She sells about 400 bottles per quarter. Nyoka runs her business in Zidwe, Gqeberha, in a container. “I have built a strong customer base. I also offer my services for make-up to corporate clients.

I also do make-up for TV productions; I work with Moja Love and Connect TV. I am always knocking on doors to offer my services. I am working on my website, funded by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). They will also pay for my product testing,” she said.