Sisters doing it for themselves

IN A time of trends and making statements, two local young women have decided to unite to blaze a trail they hope many will follow.

Candice Kubheka and Nokukhanya Ngcobo have more than just being friends in common, these two young women are brand-owners and fast developing entrepreneurs.

Both women are in the fashion, health and beauty business, and have started their own brands.

“I started Glambitious Women in May 2015, and this year in May my baby will be exactly one year old,” Nokukhanya beams.

For Candice, who is also currently studying for her B.Sc. Honors Degree in Science, it was about finding something that she could do on the side while she studied.

“I started my fashion line KaramelA Exclusive this year. I was mainly driven to start my own small business by the fact that stats show that studying does not guarantee you getting a job,” she said.

The two said that they are working on eliminating a sense of competing among women, and believe that women should work together and lift each other up.

“Growing up I’ve always looked up to my beautiful mother, she has always been a health conscious mom who fed us the right foods and always told my sister and I how important it is to be a lady, carry yourself respectfully and dress well. She is also a business woman, so she has always instilled the principle of being independent and standing on your own two feet as a woman, I can say most of my inspiration to start my own business came from her, my family and my pure passion to make other women look and feel good,” Nokukhanya said.

Although the path has not been easy, Candice says that working hard and being determined is what has brought them success.

“My brand has grown significantly in Vryheid and is now branching out to other provinces,” she said.

According to Nokukhanya entrepreneurship at every level is the key to minimising poverty in South Africa.

“When I say at every level I mean, whether you are a street vendor, taxi driver, hair stylist, construction company owner etc, all these bring income back into the households,” she said.

The two have been holding seminars and other sessions where they invite other young women to share their ideas and help grow the entrepreneurial field in Vryheid.

The two say they are aware of the importance of coming together with like-minded people to share ideas and grow.

Encouraging other upcoming young entrepreneurs, the pair says that it is important for young people to believe in themselves and their brand.

“It’s not the mountains we are meant to conquer, but ourselves.”

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