Did you know that women account for less than 1 in 5 business owners in South Africa? That’s why this Women’s Month, in celebration of the strength, radiance and beauty we exude as women, we thought we should shine the spotlight on some of the incredible ‘less than 1 in 5’ women-founded businesses thriving in the beauty industry.
Swiitch Beauty
@swiitchbeauty
Not many people (let alone just women) can say they founded a cosmetics brand at the tender age of 14. But Rabia Ghoor can. The ever-increasingly popular cosmetic brand, Swiitch Beauty, was conceptualised in the midst of her teenage years, Talk about a teenage dream!
From a four-square-meter area in her bedroom, it all began when she discovered Youtube, primarily watching international makeup influencers and channels since there weren’t that many local ones at the time. This is where her motivation to start the brand was born, to accommodate the South African beauty market.
Ghoor started out with an Instagram page and two products. It’s safe to say she has more than surpassed her initial expectations. Having won the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers award, the range now has more than 20 cosmetic products that can be purchased directly online or in a selected few shops (like EGG in Cavendish in Cape Town).
- Instagram: @swiitchbeauty
- Website: swiitchbeauty.com
Hermosa Flor Cosmetics
@hermosa_flor_cosmetics
This award-winning African cosmetic brand was made for women by women. It was founded by Mbali Sebapu, who worked at the South African National Defense Force before embarking on her mission to empower and radiate the strength that exists in the core of our femininity.
The brand’s name, Hermosa Flor, is derived from Spanish meaning beautiful flower and was inspired by her name, Mbalenhle. Beauty to the brand means being comfortable in one’s own skin and within the magical moments that are created when women feel confident.
- Instagram: @hermosa_flor_cosmetics
- Website: hermosaflor.africa
Hey Gorgeous
@heygorgeoussa
We’re 100% certain that you’ve more than likely seen the gorgeously packaged, vibrantly coloured Hey Gorgeous skincare products both online or on the shelves of Clicks and Foschini, among other places.
But did you know that not only are the products meticulously handcrafted, free from harmful synthetics and even vegan-friendly but are also a proudly South African woman-founded brand.
Hey Gorgeous strives to formulate amazing, affordable & effective skincare and cosmetic products using only sustainable sourced natural botanical ingredients that will have you feeling pampered and just downright gorgeous.
Made with love, heart, soul and science to keep your skin smooth, supple, radiant and glowing.
- Instagram: @heygorgeoussa
- Website: hey-gorgeous.co.za
Inthusiasm
@inthusiasmmakeup
Boasting a proudly South African collection of natural mineral makeup, this Johannesburg-based store specialises in empowering women to make eco-friendly and health-conscious choices in their daily beauty routines.
They are evidently quite ‘inthusiastic’ about their quality products made to not only enhance beauty, but health as well. Made with extracted minerals, their collections are long-wearing, allergen-free and suitable for all skin types. They’re also cruelty-free, with no animal testing involved.
Forget those chemical-laden concealers and stay gorgeous with help from Mother Nature.
- Instagram: @inthusiasmmakeup
- Website: inthusiasm.co.za
Daily Peach
@yourssincerely_online
Originally aiming to conquer the equestrian community with fly veils and stirrup covers under the name Peaches Apparel, Daily Peach was founded in Cape Town in 2013.
They are now a community that believes every drop helps to fill the bucket. Their goal is to reduce waste in our homes and within the cosmetics sector. All while creating small opportunities to make a big difference by teaching creative skills to women from their local community seeking employment, skills development and income opportunities.
They’ve also taken the initiative to plant a Spekboom for each order placed, so just know that when making a purchase with them you’re not just benefitting your beautiful face, but also our beautiful planet.
- Instagram: @dailypeach.co.za
- Website: dailypeach.co.za
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FEATURE IMAGE: @rabiaghoor/Instagram
