Suki Suki Naturals Linda Gieskes-Mwamba
STARTUP COSTS: ‘I had about R16000 in savings to start with,’ says Linda.
TURNOVER: ‘We’ve had a minimum of 100 percent growth every year since launching in 2014. And 2020 is looking great as we’re working on both local and international expansion.’
What inspired the launch of Suki Suki Naturals?
I hadn’t planned to start my own business. In 2010, I decided to grow my hair into an afro but finding the right product was nearly impossible. At the time, the market for natural haircare wasn’t very big and although some natural products were starting to pop up, they were really expensive and available only in the US or Canada. So I decided to experiment. I did some research on oils, plants, butter, and clays, and found ways to cleanse and condition my hair. My hair started growing so well: faster, stronger, and thicker.
Which specific ingredients did you play around with?
Jamaican black castor oil, shea oil, peppermint oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil – the combination of these oils made up the first version of the Miraculous Oil, which is still my bestseller today. That initial version had about six oils but the current one has 13 ingredients.
You practiced law before taking on this venue. What was that career shift like?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
