The perfect fit to mould all-round modern women
IT WAS a love of high fashion, coupled with a passion for working with people, which led to the creation of Black Pearl Boutique.
One of the few image consulting businesses to open in East London, Black Pearl Boutique aims to transform women inside and out by changing not just their outward appearance, but also building their self-esteem to ultimately ensure that they feel comfortable in their own skin.
It was officially launched at a glitzy black tie event last night at Park Place Boutique Guesthouse.
Started by devout fashionista Vuyo Nkohla in June, the business has no offices but operates remotely.
Nkohla said potential clients contact her telephonically to request her service and are provided forms to fill in.
This assists Nkohla to learn more about her client’s personality as well as surmise their hairstyle preferences, favourite colours and fashion likes and dislikes.
Once this is done, a face-toface appointment is set up where Nkohla meets the client at their house to look through their wardrobe to ensure it is properly coordinated.
From there, a shopping trip is on the cards, with the stores chosen based on the client’s affordability.
A new hairstyle is second last on the list, with a thorough examination of the client’s confidence, or lack thereof, coming last.
Nkohla, who also wears the hat of human resources consultant at Tsogo Sun Hemingways Casino, said the idea to become an image consultant came about when she started selling hair extensions earlier this year.
“Black Pearl was actually supposed to be a clothing line. It was my dream since 2014 but I struggled so much to find someone who could make my garments the way I wanted them to be made and in the end I gave up,” she said.
“I remember at the time I needed new hair extensions and I decided to browse the internet to look for a new supplier. I tested the hair and I was blown away.
“Even my hairstylist said she had not come across such good quality hair before. That’s when I thought ‘let me try this with customers now’.
“When that started going well I thought ‘why should I stop at hair when I can ensure that the woman looks good from head to toe, but also has a winning personality that’.
“The name Black Pearl comes from a whole lot of challenges and heartaches which I went through in my life.
“I lost my mother in 2013 in a car accident and from there I thought that was the worst that could happen to me but little did I know that more was in store for me.
“My car burnt to ashes a few months later and I found myself broke and drowning in debt … basically the name Black Pearl stands for hope, resilience, wealth and prosperity – which is basically me.
“I don’t judge a person based on their clothing and outward appearance but I look at their inner beauty.”
Nkohla said her ideal client was any woman looking to enhance herself.
“I’ve got a diverse clientele,” she said, adding that prices for her services differ based on where her clients live and which services are required. Hair is charged separately. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za to match