The threat of unemployment and a passion for personal care led to the establishment of a venture with ambitions for global recognition.
Refusing to accept that unemployment was her fate when her contract expired in 2018, Kedibone Segole (28) resuscitated a life-long passion she one day hopes to grow into a global brand.
Segole established Moipone Aesthetics, a start-up that manufactures body cream, body oil, liquid soap and scrub.
“Our products are multipurpose and affordable. We use attractive and reusable packaging. [They are] suitable for all skin types and all ages. You can buy a single product and the whole family can use it,” she said.
Reminiscing on the beginnings of her venture, she said: “I started the business in 2018 when I became unemployed after my contract ended.”
She had always been passionate about personal care and lifestyle trends.
“There were products that I had previously made for myself because I grew up with sensitive skin,” she recalled.
Her inquisitive nature saw the bachelor of political science graduate immerse herself in information about the various products she stumbled upon.
“The research that I did sparked interest in how olive oil benefits my black African skin,” she explained.
Encouraged by the results, Segole mustered enough courage to package and sell the product.
Impressed by the gains, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) approached the bourgeoning business with a helping hand.
The NYDA in 2019 provided Moipone Aesthetics with raw materials to the value of R60 000. In 2022, Seda availed support in the form of export development training and she was part of the SheTradesZA programme.
Over the past five years, Segole has been forced to juggle the business with contractual employment in an effort to earn a living and keep the business afloat.
In 2020, just as the business was finding its feet, it was dealt a major blow by the advent of COVID-19.
“We were starting to make a bit of profit. COVID-19 came and all the projects that we had lined up fell through. I found myself having to sell my property.”
Despite the significant setback, she remained committed to her venture.
“I wasn’t ready to let go because I could see that it could have returns in the long term.”
Segole's business has its tentacles spread to the Seda and Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s incubation programme at the South African Chemical Technology Incubator in Modderfontein. She is also part of the Innovation Hub’s incubation programme, which allows her access to production facilities at a cost.
Her ultimate goal is to see Moipone Aesthetics become a global brand.
Until then, customers can purchase products via the start-up’s social media platforms or go to www.moiponeaesthetics.business.site
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