Grade 12 pupil makes early entry into business world

My only challenge was people not believing in my vision. I told my family and friends that it was not an impossible thing to do

Mdantsane go-getter launches her own fragrance brand

Siyamthanda Mangesi has just started grade 12 year but in December she launched her own fragrance brand.

The determined Mdantsane resident, 20, used her savings, earned from working part time jobs, and took the entrepreneurial plunge into the world of perfumes.

Armed with her curiosity and will to succeed, she now takes off her school uniform and puts on her work uniform, in her backyard.

Mangesi Fragrances was launched a few weeks ago.

Mangesi is part of a new generation of entrepreneurs, young and old, who upskilled themselves by watching tutorials on Youtube.

Her prayers were answered when she attended a workshop, hosted by a local businessman who makes his own scents, where she was taught how to make fragrances.

“I have always loved fragrances and love smelling good. Producing perfumes has always been something I wanted to try,” she said.

Mangesi manufactures her perfumes from scratch at home in her room.

Once mixed, the concoction is stored in a cool and dry place, which for the young entrepreneur is in her bedroom.

After two weeks, the mixture is ready but more work is needed before it reaches her customers.

This includes sterilising the bottles to prevent germs from entering the perfume.

She has a special machine that tightens the lids.

Once that is complete, she sends them to be packaged and labelled at a company in East London.

Mangesi said this was a dream come true.

Belief in her own dreams meant she could be anything.

“I have always wanted to set an example and empower young people. As long as you believe in yourself nothing is impossible.”

Mangesi said this was the beginning of greater things for her.

On December 26, she officially launched her branded perfumes.

Mangesi said when she shared her dreams and aspirations, some people did not believe she could pull it off.

“My only challenge was people not believing in my vision. I told my family and friends that it was not an impossible thing to do.”

Mangesi said to grow her business she used social media to get clients.

“I have family and friends buying my products. Social media has also been really good to me.

“I have been getting orders from East London, Qonce and other cities like Mthatha.”

Mangesi said the key was to be passionate.

“When you start a business, you have to sell something you feel passionate about.

“I thought of something that I loved, did my research and found I could do this from home.”

Mangesi has a timetable to juggle school work and her business.