Tsakani – Nonhlanhla Msimango (30) is an entrepreneur with a nose for good scents. She is the founder of Sentoire Perfumes by Nons, a business that offers a variety of Inspired by Fragrances, which are handcrafted fragrances and diffusers.

She hand-mixes and offers a variety of scents.

“I used to struggle with finding a fragrance that was not overwhelming and overpowering, so I decided to create something that I resonate with; that is what inspired me to start.

“I started mixing in 2022; this is after an acquaintance showed me the ropes,” she explained.

“I truly learn a lot from YouTube, mostly from doing different types of research, but I also play around with oils just to experiment.”

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She described a good fragrance as a scent that grabs attention. She explained that her interest in perfumes stems from her love of people who smell good.

“But also because I struggled a lot with sweat and odour, so for me, having a good perfume is very important.

“I had the opportunity to sit with an international businessman, and from the lengthy conversation we had about his journey and his businesses, I was very motivated to begin my own.

“I saw that I have so much potential and there is an opportunity in what I love, and I went for it,” she cited.

Her biggest challenge in the beginning was positioning herself in the market, saying perfumes are everywhere, so one needs to distinguish themselves from everyone else.

“I play around with different oils, and I am always trying to find something different that will spark interest in my senses.

“I gather different oils that I would like to experiment with, group them according to their notes, and start mixing them according to each note until I have achieved the scent I want,” she added.

“I also create custom fragrances, but only upon request.

“I have gotten to understand that people want something that personally identifies with them, so they would mostly describe the scent they desire; then we play around with a few oils and try to bring their vision to life.”

Msimango’s greatest challenge is having to over-explain herself. She said the biggest disadvantage is having people undermine her hustle, citing that she constantly has to prove herself.

She cited that her customers are always happy with her products. Msimango’s biggest aspiration is to grow her brand nationally.

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“Currently, I need a place where I can operate. I am in the process of sourcing funding, as financial capacity is a huge stumbling block at this point.

“My goal is for Sentoire to grow into one of the major role players in township development, in terms of skills and employment,” she highlighted.

“I am in talks with a company that has approached me for a partnership to teach young children the art and skill of perfume-making.”

Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to follow their hearts.

“If it is in your heart and it is a burning desire, then start; do not wait to get anyone’s validation, but just start,” she advised.