THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY
Thobile Jele, 39, owner of Fancy Claws beauty boutique shares her entrepreneurial journey in an industry dependent on the human touch to make people look and feel good.
WAS ENTREPRENEURSHIP ALWAYS PART OF THE PLAN?
From a young age I have always been passionate about beauty. I used to do everyone’s hair at home. At boarding school, I made extra pocket money by braiding my schoolmates. The passion has always been there. I attended a special school and we were taught various skills including hairdressing. After passing my matric, I attended the Thekwini College where I did a beauty course. After completing my course, I went to the UK in 2003 where I studied marketing and also worked part time at a nursing home. I spent five years in the UK and upon my return to South Africa in 2008, I rented a table at a salon at uShaka Marine World doing manicures. Initially, I didn’t plan to go into business. My clients would always push me to start a salon and it eventually happened in 2012 when I opened my first branch in Musgrave, Durban. It was the best decision I’ve made.
WHAT GIVES YOU MOST HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION IN YOUR LINE OF BUSINESS?
I get my satisfaction from empowering other young black women and honing their skills. I employ 24 young women who are also aspiring to take over the beauty industry in future. I know many, if not all of them will go on to grow and train others, too. I’ve groomed other women who have gone on to open their own successful businesses as well. Paying it forward is important. As a black woman this has been the driving force for me: to see others grow and to be able to do for others what I have done for them.
WHAT’S THE WINNING FORMULA FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS?
The winning formula in the beauty industry is remaining up-to-date with the latest trends. Staying ahead is key as a business owner – you need to keep yourself informed to identify and then take advantage of new opportunities. The industry is constantly shifting and you always need to be on top of your game. You also need to employ talented people who share the same drive in order to make the business soar.
WHAT IS THE ALL-TIME BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?
To remain consistent. Keep focus and always be open to learning.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT RUNNING A BUSINESS IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?
There are so many misconceptions. People think that the industry is for people who aren’t smart enough to get to university. You may not need straight As but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a level of academic skill required to succeed in the beauty business. It’s hard work and there is nothing glamorous about owning a beauty salon. You don’t see the fruits of your labour immediately. All I have has come through much hard work and patience.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH?
The passion drives me to keep going. When I think about giving up, I always remember why I started.
WHAT’S YOUR GET-UP-AND - GO SONG?
I love Beyoncé’s My Power. It empowers young black women to love themselves and their God-given aesthetics.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE OF FANCY CLAWS?
The bigger plan is to develop a franchise for my business for rapid growth. I would also like to open a beauty school to hone other aspiring beauty therapists. The sky is the limit.