21 Apr 2014

A 29-year-old young business woman, Ms Tlamelo Khupelo of Gabane, has decided to tap into a trade that is mainly dominated by foreigners, beauty therapy.

“I have always been fascinated with this profession from as far as I can remember,” Khupelo said. Her spa is located in Kasane at the Waterfall Mall and the business goes by the name Lwapa Beauty Shop.

She chose this Setswana name to express to people that they are welcome and that they should feel at home. The spa offers services that range from spa treatments to facials and waxing and in order to fulfill her dream of venturing into the trade on her own, she had to spend her savings.

Her intention of opening the beauty shop was to allow locals the privilege of experiencing the soothing results of paying extra attention to the way they look and feel.

When she moved on from her previous employer, Mowana Safari Lodge, she realised that there was a gap in the market, and her aim was to fill it, especially for locals.

Comparing her price list to competitors such as lodges and salons that operate a rent-a-chair space, she stated that hers are affordable to residents and nomadic tourists, adding that owning her own business allows her to freelance for lodges.

Khupelo feels that the community of Kasane is gradually grasping and appreciating her presence. She notes that both men and women continue to welcome and adapt to her services as they frequently pay a visit to her spa.

She says that men are mostly checking in for massages while women are intrigued by manicures and pedicures.

Furthermore, she mentions that her skill was nursed by Purple Magic hair dressing and beauty therapy school in Francistown. That was where she acquired her certificate and she went for further studies in South Africa for her diploma.

The mother of one indicates that the location of her shop is perfect for her line of work due to the fact that it is quiet and that there is less movement, which allows her clients to relax.

Khupelo said that currently she has employed only one person, who mainly focuses on nail extensions, pedicures and manicures.

Her sky-is-the-limit attitude has driven her to continue dreaming. “I would love to see my beauty spa competing with places like Masa Centre and beyond,” she says. Ends