Chick Cosmetics
Nomfundo Njibe
START-UP COSTS: 'My start-up costs were between R150000 and R250 000. The expenses included company registration, building a website, production, shipping, Wi-Fi, graphic design and marketing.'
TURNOVER: 'We started out with only two employees and have since grown enough to employ seven part-time employees. We are in the process of expanding our product range and securing more distribution channels, which will enable us to employ more people."
During a trip abroad in 2017, Nomfundo lost a bag containing her beauty products. While shopping for new essentials, she was struck by the vast selection of affordable beauty products by independent brands. It was the inspiration for Chick Cosmetics.
How did you turn your vision for your business into a reality?
I started Chick Cosmetics in my one-bedroom apartment when I had just relocated to Joburg. As the brand grew, I moved into a house, where I used the garage as storage. We've since moved to a warehouse.
Beyond the basics, such as registering the company, the early stages were all about coming up with a strategy. That was crucial. I spent some time selecting the perfect name too... and our branding had to complement the name so it would be easy to position in the market.
Was being an entrepreneur always your plan?
I'd always envisioned myself as my own boss, but I was never in a rush to start a business. I had to be sure it was something I was passionate about and that it was authentic. I used to work for a gaming company as a training and skills development facilitator, but after that experience overseas, I knew this was the business I wanted to get into.
The beauty business is a tough one to break into. How did consumers react to your brand?
Denne historien er fra July/August 2022-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July/August 2022-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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.
