POLOKWANE – Glamour School of Beauty, founded and owned by 28-year-old Francina Kgopa from Seshego, is an academy committed to uplifting young, motivated and energetic women through skills training, entrepreneurship and confidence-building. Driven by her passion for makeup and her desire to see women succeed, Francina established the academy in 2018 to help aspiring beauticians turn their talent into sustainable careers.

She told Polokwane Observer that her love for beauty started with seeing how makeup transforms not only outward appearance but also the confidence of the women wearing it.

“I fell in love with makeup because I enjoyed seeing women look more beautiful and feel more confident,” she said. “That passion motivated me to take makeup seriously and open the academy so I can empower other women and help them grow into business people who can eventually open their own beauty schools.”

Despite challenges such as funding shortages and delayed payments, Francina remained committed to her mission. She understands the circumstances many young women face and continues to support them with patience, kindness and determination.

Celebrating growth and achievement

The academy recently celebrated the graduations of 11 students from the Seshego and Mokopane branches, along with 14 from the now-closed Lebowakgomo branch. The most recent graduation ceremony — for the first class of 2025 — took place in June at Gae Polokwane in Ladanna, marking another major milestone in Francina’s journey to empower aspiring beauticians across Limpopo.

“My goal is to expand with more branches nationwide,” she said. “The key is to start and watch yourself grow gracefully. You will fall, but each time, you rise stronger.”

Empowering women and closing the unemployment gap

Francina identified a gap in the beauty industry and designed her academy not only to teach beauty skills but also to promote entrepreneurship.
“With high unemployment, I want to assist women in opening their own beauty businesses — not only to help themselves but to employ other women,” she said.

Since opening the academy in 2018, Glamour School of Beauty has trained over a thousand students — both male and female — many of whom now run successful salons and beauty businesses. To support operations and ensure quality training, Francina currently employs three staff members across various departments.

“As the beauty industry evolves, we make sure our students stay ahead of trends while still mastering the basics,” she added.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. Francina recently won multiple awards at the Pitjeng and Sons SMME Awards, including Best in Beauty Industry, Best Woman in Business and Best Provincial Small Business Champion.

Courses offered at the academy

Glamour School of Beauty provides a wide range of courses, including:
• Makeup
• Manicure
• Wig making
• Hairdressing
• Eyebrow microblading
• Cake baking

The school equips students with practical skills they can use to start businesses, gain employment or open their own salons.

Aspiring beauticians who want to join the academy can contact 068 059 6815, email [email protected], or visit 13 Tokyo Sexwale Avenue, Seshego Zone 2 (Dishopong next to Lebowa Funerals).