“If I can do it, then so do you” – a Rhodes University student shares her experience about following her passion in entrepreneurship.

By: Tsholofelo Robert Ledwaba

Asenathi Ngqobe, is a 20-year-old student from North West province, studying Bachelor of Journalism at Rhodes University. Although she was raised by a single mother and had not been doing well in her academic work, Asenathi uses her interests in beauty, fashion, photography, farming, music and business to commence her own beauty shop, Braids by Sese, which is located near the Rhodes University campus. 

As she did not give up in her academics, Sese started braiding people’s hair in her res room during her first year at Rhodes University, and as the years went by – her business grew and she got motivated to open a beauty shop where she could create employment opportunities for young stylists, nail technicians, and a chance to give back to the community by providing skills development programs in hairstyling, beauty, and small business management.

Photo 1: Asenathi Ngqobe, the founder of Braids by Sese at Steve Biko building, Rhodes University [Supplied].

This way the youth can learn practical skills in the business industry and generate their own source of income. She also intends to introduce discounted services for the students in the community, during special occasions such as matric dance, and offer community outreach through beauty wellness days which will increase one’s confidence and self-love.

Although Makhanda is a small town with a high rate of business enterprises at a price some students are unable to afford - Sese decided to open her business in Makhanda, not only because it is where she is studying but also to reach her target market and accommodate individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It has never been easy. I have lost a lot of money in the process of starting my business, and I have also made some too. Thus, I aim to make people feel and look beautiful without breaking the bank, by growing Braids by Sese into a multi beauty service brand, and introduce new services in Makhanda such as skincare, beauty, including wellness and body treatments” said Asenathi.

Photo 2: The founder of Braids by Sese, Asenathi, enlarging her knowledge in agriculture with her livestock production at North West province [Supplied].

Apart from this, not only does Asenathi use her beauty shop as her source of income, but it also contains a great interest in livestock farming and expands into a sustainable agricultural business which will focus on livestock production that will both supply local enterprises and export to larger markets. Moreover, she intends to combine farming with entrepreneurship to empower the youth and ensure long-term food sustainability, as she believes farming would diversify her business portfolio while addressing the issue of food insecurity in under-resourced communities.

Asenathi Ngqobe also mentioned that her journey to entrepreneurship contained lots of doubts and pressure as there were days where she felt like throwing in the towel and questioning herself if she was good enough or if her business would survive. But each challenge she encountered nonetheless became a lesson which pushed her to adapt, grow, and hold on to her vision.

Asenathi plans to use her story to encourage the youth to not underestimate humble beginnings, and to understand that what may start as a small idea, like braiding from home, can grow into a business that will bring change in the community. She also hopes that people will take their time to note that Braids by Sese is a beauty space where individuals can feel confident, valued, and cared for. Asenathi hopes that people will start to understand that success is not about where one is coming from but where they are heading and to what extent they are willing to go, as they are not afraid to dream bigger than their current circumstances.