Download your FREE copy of our Value Proposition Guide! VALUE-CENTRED STRATEGY CONSULTANTS FOR EMERGING ENTERPRISES OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE VALUE BUSINESS FUNCTIONAL OPERATIONAL PROPOSITION STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY CONSULTING CONSULTING CONSULTING CONSULTING Contact us on [email protected]
51 directorWoman BIZ SPOTLIGHT Issue 01, April 2021 Lerato Morapela Founder, Rato Pela L erato Morapela (20) is the CEO of luxury leather handbag company Rato Pela (Pty) Ltd based in Gqeberha, South Africa. Lerato has known since she was just 7 years old that fashion was her passion. Although the starlet spent a lot of time ruining her clothes as a child and crying ‘design’, the vision has always been there. “My grandfather [owned] a clothing manufacturing company when I was a little girl, so I grew up in [fashion],\" she shares. It’s not surprising that she started thinking about ways to fund her passion and turn it into a profit-making venture very early on. The young creative sold cupcakes in high school. “I knew from a young age [that] I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I wanted to show my parents how serious I was and that even at a young age, I could make my dreams come true.” Lerato’s vision is to reimagine “African luxury”. She wants to see Rato Pela contend with leading international luxury handbag brands in the long-term. To explore and order from Rato Pela, you can find them on Instagram @rato_pela_ (click image above) or visit their website (click right image). For customized orders, you can email Lerato directly at [email protected]. DW
52 directorWoman BIZ SPOTLIGHT Issue 01, April 2021 \"The Rato bag is handcrafted by the best leather crafters in South Africa. The R shape of the bag is what makes it unique.\" Shop it at www.companysite.ratopela.com
Christine Amongin Founder & Director, Kris Amo African Fashion
54 directorWoman WOMAN&BUSINESS Issue 01, April 2021 jeMungetegrtleintphgreesn2t1eu-udyereanlirfteo, lwwdoidtrheksciahgnandremr w. ho is C hristine Martha Amongin \"It all started as a passion for know just as Kris by making things happen and getting things done,\" she shares. many is a fast rising \"[That] coupled with a deep love young African entrepreneur. The for fashion and African Fabrics 21-year old is the founder and pushed me to do something.\" And director of Kris Amo African so she founded Kris Amo African Fashion a clothing brand focused Fashion. She believes that she's on African Print designs (Ankara). building something bigger than She also serves as the Director of herself and Uganda and aspires Entrepreneurship and Innovation to intercontinental greatness. at The NextBigIdea256. Christine gives all the credit to Christine, who you might think her mother for her success. \"The deserves 26 hours a day, is key factor to why I’m so amazing currently pursuing a Bachelor’s is my Super Mom with her degree in Social Work at unending emotional support and Makerere University and a constant guidance.\" Diploma in Law at the Law Development Center in Uganda. BEING A WORKING STUDENT Even with a demanding schedule, Being a working student has its she tries to make time for things fair share of difficulty. \"I think that make her happy. Christine the hardest part of being so loves to cook, chill and have fun young with the responsibility of a but wholesome conversations, whole brand is the daily struggle learn about other cultures and to juggle my job, academic life, discover new things at every social life and the brand. This chance she can. INSPIRING AFRICA The inspiration behind her growing brand came from within.
55 directorWoman WOMAN&BUSINESS Issue 01, April 2021 calls for so much sacrifice and most times it is at the expense of my personal fun time with friends and all. But I believe everything gets better with time.\" From Kris, to you Fun facts about Christine wants other ambitious Christine African girls to know that they're amazing. \" Don’t be afraid [of 1. She loves dancing - \"I love starting] small. [And] never give dancing so much! Especially in the up no matter what life throws bathroom and infront of my your way - whether it is mirror. Unfortunately I’m a very negativity, gender discrimination poor dancer.\" or emotional violence, face all 2. Her nick name is Mongino - those head on with courage and \"Some of my relatives call me build [your] business amidst it Mongino as a nick name and I all.\" really like it when they do (LOL). It makes me feel like a little girl again each time.\" 3. She only looks tough/mean. \"If you aren’t close to me you’ll think I’m very tough/mean but I'm really all about good vibes and happiness all day.\" DW
@to_my_sisters
4 .type girl A natural hair representation PLUS Curlaholics Box THE Satin MEET BETH & TRACEY LOWDOWN THE SISTERS BEHIND KINKS UNLOCKED THE CURLAHOLICS BOX FOUNDER ROELEEN ADAMS ON WHY YOU SHOULD SATIN UP 6 naturals you should be following WE MEET 6 FANTASTIC NATURALS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING ON INSTAGRAM MPUMI Lusu 5 minutes with entrepreneur and model Mpumi the STYLEHAIRVEN INFLUENCING NATURAL HAIR AND BUILDING A NATURAL COMMUNITY
4 .type girl A natural hair representation THE Satin LOWDOWN 59 KINKS UNLOCKED FOUNDER ROELEEN ADAMS ON WHY YOU SHOULD SATIN UP 6 naturals you should be following 76 WE MEET 6 FANTASTIC NATURALS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING ON INSTAGRAM 66 MPUMI Lusu 5 minutes with PLUS Curlaholics Box entrepreneur and model Mpumi MEET BETH & TRACEY 73 THE SISTERS BEHIND the THE CURLAHOLICS BOX STYLEHAIRVEN INFLUENCING NATURAL HAIR AND 63 BUILDING A NATURAL COMMUNITY
59 4 . 01, 2021type girl x YOUR HAIR x Issue April SATIN AND WHY AFRICAN NATURALS THINK IT’S A GREAT BUY Many things can be said about By Roeleen Adams the natural hair community, but one important detail about them? O ne of the things the They will share information. One natural hair community of the most shared tips for always stresses is natural hair and even skin care is protecting our hair when we the use of satin. Roeleen Adams, sleep. This can either be done by the founder of natural hair care wearing a satin scarf, bonnet or brand Kinks Unlocked, shared a sleeping on a satin pillowcase. few tips with type4girl about why The use of satin products is a satin pillowcase is a great especially important for naturals investment. trying to retain moisture and length. Kinks Unlocked Kinks Unlocked
60 4 . 01, 2021type girl x YOUR HAIR x Issue April A satin pillowcase has been, in Less skin breakouts because recent times widely dubbed a satin is more hypoallergenic beauty ‘must have’ for your hair & than cotton skin and here’s why: The smooth texture also prevents skin creases by The smooth surface of satin eliminating pulling and allows your hair to slip over it, tugging on your skin creating less friction which helps prevent hair breakage, If you continue sleeping on a tangling and thinning. Helping cotton pillowcase it might result you achieve healthier, better in: looking hair It helps maintain hairstyles for Drier hair and skin as cotton is a lot longer, which leads to less prone to absorb moisture and styling = less manipulation = natural oils length retention More friction with your hair Helps reduce hair frizz and dry and skin hair Tangled hair Helps with moisture retention More split ends and hair as it’s less absorbent than breakage cotton. Yay to plumper and more moisturised skin and Investing in a satin pillowcase may hair! very well be what you need to enjoy the opulence your hair and skin routine have been missing. DW Roeleen Adams is a South African based natural hair advocate, digital content creator and the owner of Kinks Unlocked, a hair care brand that aims to make it’s customers’ natural hair routine effortless. Through her YouTube channel and other social media platforms, Roeleen aims to empower women of colour to practice self-love and acceptance through their natural hair journeys and teach them simplified ways to care for their hair on a budget. Talk to us: Have you, after use of both, noticed any difference between cotton vs satin pillowcases? Share your experiences with us by emailing [email protected].
SHOP KINKS UNLOCKED SATIN PILLOWCASES
Ponytail IG: @avee.sobantu /curly fringe HAIR SYLE INSP IRATI ON from Avuyile Bantu Knots Medium Box Braids
63 4 . 01, 2021type girl x COVER GIRL x Issue April Ogunmakin ADEDOYIN On influencing natural hair and being the Stylehairven gunmakin Adedoin, better know by her o Instagram handle, @stylehairven, is a natural hair digital content creator. She creates educational natural hair care content and shows women how to style their hair in different fabulous ways. She also creates multi-media video content for brands. “My earliest experience of natural hair was when I was 16. I had grown out [my hair] for over 2 years for the sole purpose of relaxing it. If I was more knowledgeable or had access to enough information [like] we [do] now, I wouldn't [have relaxed it]. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't make that decision. I believed that natural hair was boring and not beautiful,” she shares. Ogunmakin is in the business of natural hair education and most people who know her know her for exactly that. She’s built a community of over 18k followers on her haircentric Instagram blog. “My natural hair inspired my IG blog. I started my Instagram page when I was transitioning to natural hair and I wanted to document and share it with other people.” It might be hard to believe but this creator swears by just one strategy if you want to build a massive followership on Instagram – consistency. The only strategy that I implemented and worked on was to be consistent. Before the pandemic, I Ogunmakinwasn't consistent because I was a student but
64 4 . 01, 2021type girl x COVER GIRL x Issue April @stylehairven [after] the pandemic hit I had just graduated and had enough time to be as consistent as possible and that was what really helped my account grow quickly,” she says. Her vision is for her brand to reach and impact millions of people all over the world through natural hair education. 3 things Ogunmakin dislikes hearing about her natural hair - 1. That natural hair is boring, 2. that it requires ‘the most’, i.e. you have to use a lot of products to have nice looking natural hair and 3. that our natural hair is difficult to work with. STYLEHAIRVEN COLLECTION Stylehairvencollection is an extension of Stylehairven. \"I make and sell wigs and crochet hair.\" The Insta socialite is very handy when it comes to hair, including doing her own hair and extensions. “I thought to make money out of what I know how to do.” FUN FACTS: She hardly goes out or travels - her favourite place is home. She enjoys Nigerian songs the most. Her best asset is her confidence. DW
Beth & Tracey October Co-founders, Different Flowers www.differentflowers.co.za
66 4 . 01, 2021type girl x ENTREPRENEUR x Issue April \"We're allowed to see those differences. We should see colour.\" S isters Beth and Tracey October was inspired by the saying “Sisters are the founders of Different are different flowers from the Flowers, a company that curates same garden.” “We thought that the Curlaholics Box. Although this was great because it applied to unexpected, working together was a our own experience of embracing natural progression for their our differences and similarities as relationship. The pair joined many sisters, as well as to the larger people across the globe who found an community of curlies and fellow opportunity to work from home and women everywhere. This is generate an income during that especially important in a society awkward period when we all thought that continues to instil a very “it’ll end soon and life will go back to narrow standard of what beauty is.” normal. Anytime now.” It’s only been a few months since they launched, but The Big Idea they’ve already built an Instagram community with almost 2000 Tracey, who is the older of the two, followers. was a new mom during the peak of the first wave and Beth lived with The name Different Flowers is an ode her for a while to lend a helping to their individualism as sisters and hand. After frequenting Facebook groups and seeing an opportunity to create something that takes the guesswork out of hair product shopping, Tracey came up with the concept that blossomed into the Curlaholics Box. “The transition from idea to business was mostly unintentional,” Tracey says. “I came up with the idea to do something like a sample box and [I] was stuck thinking about it for days until Beth saw the vision and [we] decided [to] just do it.” For all purposes of the Curlaholics
67 4 . 01, 2021type girl x ENTREPRENEUR x Issue April Box, the sisters are both lowkey product junkies and they love trying something new regularly. They share that while Beth has wavier hair and Tracey’s has a curlier pattern, they often found themselves using the same products. “We [soon] realised it was something we needed because, you know, sometimes you just want to try [a product] without the expense of buying the whole jar only to find out you don’t like it or your hair doesn’t respond positively to it,” Beth says. Tracy also adds that “sometimes similar products can work for different hair types.” spacerhe pandemic has certainly propelled ecommerce and digital living. The growing Tspacernumber of people who turned to online shopping, which is the backbone of spacertheir business, almost certainly ensured the success of their concept. Different Flowers targets naturals who aren’t afraid to try new things but have too many options to try than they may have time or money for. “Our customers are busy and don’t always have time to make a run to the store and figure out which brand to buy and ingredients to avoid. The box is also a cost-effective way to be adventurous with your hair care because you only receive sample sizes.” What is the Curlaholics Box? most acceptable ingredients. “The products in our boxes don’t contain The Curlaholics Box is a monthly any nasties. No sulphates, no subscription service that helps silicones and no parabens,” Tracey [naturals] discover and try out new, stresses. In addition, they’re also exciting and nourishing hair free from non-soluble waxes and products. All this without breaking drying alcohol – all ingredients that the bank and from the comfort of can damage or hamper the health of your own home. (Different Flowers, 2021) Different Flowers prides itself on C u r l a h o l i c scuratingonlytheproductswiththe natural hair. Every month’s box contains 3 to 4 carefully researched sample-sized (usually atypical) hair products for
68 4 . 01, 2021type girl x ENTREPRENEUR x Issue April naturals to try, plus a curl surprise. experience of getting a box today They pack their boxes with extreme and being excited for and wondering care. “We include guides and little what’s in the box next month,” she gifts in the boxes. And we do our adds. The pair laughs about how they due diligence making sure that we obsess over adding special curl gifts address ingredients that we know and go the extra mile sprinkling are controversial or a grey area for proverbial glitter in every box naturals,” Tracey shares. because they really just want to make their customers’ day. “We want Is the box for me? you to open your box and smile and be delighted.” The Curlaholics Box is curated for anyone and everyone on the curly- SIBLING DYNAMIC IN BUSINESS haired spectrum, whether your hair has wavy, curly, coiled, kinky or For most siblings, this might sound mixed textures. (Different Flowers, like a disaster in waiting, but the 2021) experience has been uniquely The box provides a middle ground fulfilling for Tracey and Beth. that is safe for South African Different Flowers is the first time naturals at all points of the hair type that the sisters have worked system. Each box packs a punch that together, and they have been is suitable for multiple hair pleasantly surprised by how patterns. The sisters share that it complementary their skill sets were. also takes the stress out of the When we spoke to them, you could process for new naturals who are tell that there is an endearing quality still trying to establish a product to their work-sisterhood – they base. share the same passion for their business. But when it comes to their Curating experiences interests and areas of expertise, they are polar opposites. However, The true and full experience of the they’ve found an incredible balance box comes full circle on the next of their personalities and skills and arrival of a Curlaholics Box. The anticipation of ‘what’s next’ is what makes it so special. “We have Curlaholics with 3 and 6-month subscriptions [so] we know that our customers trust us,” Beth says. “We want them to get the holistic
69 4 . 01, 2021type girl x ENTREPRENEUR x Issue April have used that to inform their \"I didn't know where I operational systems and individual fit in or where my hair roles. “Tracey is more the creative and big ideas person,” Beth shares. fits in.\" Tracey describes Beth as the “ops” person, a tactical doer and sensitive because of the racial researcher. trauma that a lot of us still carry Of the two, Tracey is more around in South Africa.” The brand extroverted. It’s not surprising that philosophy challenges the notion she’s also the one who watches their that different curl-textures must use unboxing videos multiple times to different products. They want to use make sure everything is as it should it to encourage naturals to focus be – something that Beth wants no more on what their hair needs. part of. Tracey also has a sales Beth also opened up to us about her background, so she understands that own struggles with finding her place a ‘no’ isn’t the end of the world. She in the natural hair community as a pushed for them to get the idea out coloured woman with curly hair. “I there quickly and read the room didn’t know where I fit in or where early – which worked because their my hair fits in.” Being part of the pre-launch activities paid off. But Different Flowers vision has helped she’s also learnt from Beth that some her come into her own. cards need to stay close to your chest until the logistics are clarified In a world where women of colour and practical. Overtime, the business are still fighting for access to seats at has often become a family affair with the table, an environment where their relatives pitching in from time there are clear lines drawn between to time to help them get things done. coloured women and black women and a natural hair community that is On inclusivity, sensitivity still finding its feet, the sisters want to teach and show other women that and finding Beth there is nothing wrong with seeing the differences. “We’re allowed to In a country like ours, where race is see those differences; we should see both an element of unity and a pain colour.” They want to use their point, the sisters are well aware that journey and business to not only diversity and non-tolerance aren’t teach, but to learn as much as they mutually exclusive concepts. “One of can about the factors and the most challenging parts of experiences that affect and make us [putting together] the Curlaholics different beyond our hair. DW Box is constantly being inclusive but
Courlaholics collabs \"We are excited to introduce you to our newest baby, the Curlaholics Collabs project. We will be partnering with amazing small woman-owned businesses to bring you exclusive products, made with love and packed with personality! Our first Curlaholics Collab launched on April 1st and we can't wait to share more about these awesome hair essentials that are a must have for any natural hair diva and the beautiful queens that make them!\" Beth & Tracey FIND OUT MORE www.curlaholics.co.za
FIND OUT MORE www.differentflowers.co.za
ADVE RTISE We're looking for woman of colour- owned brands to advertise. Find out more about advertising in 4 .D i r e c t o r W o m a n a n d on type girl com @ 4 .h e l l o t y p e g i r l c o m
x73 4 . 5 01, 2021type girl MINUTES WITH x Issue April @mpumi_lusu 5 minutes with Mpumi Lusu Mpumi Lusu Mpumi Lusu is a model, entrepreneur and student currently studying towards becoming a professional chef. This is her in 5 minutes. type4girl: Describe yourself in 3 words. Mpumi: Authentic, bold and driven. type4girl: How long have you been growing your hair? Mpumi: I went bald in September 2018 (accidentally – story for another day *LOL*) type4girl: If you could only use one brand on/in your hair, which would it be and why? Mpumi: I’m a brand ambassador for Cair Hair (a locally owned hair care brand) so I wouldn’t want to use anything else. type4girl: What is your favourite qupte quote or saying? Spacefi Mpumi: “Everything happens ytgkygkk for a reason.” I never fvbnjggg question things [that kuygbnh happen] to me, good or bad uygfvbnm because I believe they were kjjkll kjkj meant to be.
x74 4 . 5 01, 2021type girl MINUTES WITH x Issue April 5 minutes with Mpumi Lusu typegirl: What is one thing you dislike hearing about natural hair? Mpumi: “Going natural is the cheapest/easiest.” Whenever I hear somebody say that I just roll my eyes if I am not up for a debate. type4girl: Do you have a hidden talent? Mpumi: Of course! I am a self-taught seamstress. I love sewing. type4girl: Top 2 protective styles? Mpumi: Braids and 2 line [cornrows]. type4girl: Name 2 women who inspire you. Mpumi: Nomzamo Mbatha, she’s young, beautiful and strives for excellence. The second is myself. I am my own motivation. I never give up on what I want and I’m always willing to work for it. DW
NATURALS TO FOLLOW
76 4 . 01, 2021type girl x NATURALS TO FOLLOW x Issue April @NATURALBLACKGIRLIE NONYE Digital Creator Engineering undergraduate student and natural hair, beauty and lifestyle content creator, Youtuber and Digitalinfluencer. Creator @_PRVDENCE PRUDENCE Natural Hair \"A lot of women don't understand their hair and use principles/methods created for straight hair, I wanted to show them that our hair grows big and it grows curly and so we have to embrace, not work against the curls and not refer to them as \"growth\".\"
77 4 . 01, 2021type girl x NATURALS TO FOLLOW x Issue April @THEBANTUBEAUTY FEZ Hair & Beauty \"I hope those who visit my page are inspired to enjoy their hair journey.\" @COILYNACHIE NANA Digital Creator Automation Engineer and hair, beauty and lifestyle content creator. Digital Creator
78 4 . 01, 2021type girl x NATURALS TO FOLLOW x Issue April @TO_MY_SISTERS MAEPANE SISTERS Bloggers BloggersNatural hair and beauty bloggers. @NATURALHAIRBECKIE MBABAZI Blogger Cape Town-based Makeup artist, photographer and YouTuber.
Issue 01, director W April 2021 The publisher, type4girl the media, would like to thank all the persons and entities featured in this issue for contributing to its success. This digital publication, Director Woman Digital Magazine, also director W digimag, or DW or director W is brought to you by the media (Pty) Ltd. type4girl the media is an educational digital media company based in South Africa. No part or parts of this magazine may be duplicated or republished without express permission. All right reserved. Editing Team: Masekane Nkwana, Writer & Founding Editor Lelato Ngoako, Writer & Consulting Editor Mmule Phasha, Writer & Design Consultant Enquiries: [email protected] Visit www.type4girl.com to learn more about us. Follow us on the socials!
Search
