POLOKWANE – Self-taught nail technician Lethabo Ligavha (27), originally from Mmotong wa Perekisi and currently living in Mankweng Turfloop, opened her nail salon – previously called Let-a-Boo do your Nail – in 2022.

She told BONUS that the salon name was derived from her name, Lethabo, and when she later included hair services, she changed it to Laboobeautybar.

Ligavha started her nail journey when the pandemic hit in 2020, and a year later she found the courage to open her own salon.

“The world slowed down during this time and everything was on lockdown and like many others, I found myself unsure of what to do with all the extra time. But instead of letting that uncertainty hold me back, I decided to try something new, a new venture using my skill. I bought a small starter kit and started practicing at home, not knowing that I was planting the seed for something I’d grow to love deeply.”

With no formal training but passion, patience and a lot of practice, Ligavha taught herself how to master nails in various shapes, sizes, and designs.

“From shaky and doubtful first attempts, to creating beautiful sets of artificial ‘claws’. That’s when I realised that every mistake becomes a lesson in life, and therefore every challenge has built my confidence. I remember my first nail set I ever did was on my mom. She let me practice on her, and oh word, they were so horrible, but I didn’t let that discourage me. Instead, I called in my neighbours and friends to practice on them, and I’m so grateful that they allowed me. Indeed, practice makes perfect.”

Today, Lethabo is proud to say that she’s a professional, self-taught nail technician.

“My journey is a reminder that you don’t need perfect circumstances to start, you just need the passion, dedication and courage to begin. I’ve not yet done nails for a prominent person, but that’s my goal. I have many favourite nail sets I’ve done; every set shows my creativity.”

Looking ahead, she sees herself in the next five to 10 years as a fully established and recognised nail technician, creating jobs in a big nail studio that reflects creativity, excellence, and a love for beauty.

“I want to grow beyond just doing nails; I want to inspire others who dream of starting from scratch like I did,” she said.

As a self-taught nail technician, one of her biggest challenges was starting with limited knowledge and resources.

“In the beginning, I didn’t have access to proper training or professional tools. I had to learn through trial and error, YouTube videos, and a lot of practice. There were times I doubted myself, especially when my work didn’t look how I imagined it,” she said.

She added that building a client base was also challenging.

“It wasn’t easy to gain people’s trust when I was still learning, but I overcame that by being consistent, humble, and open to feedback.”

To check out more of her work, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.