By Rebone Motlhokwane
A 21-year-old self-taught nail technician from Randfontein has used her R350 social relief of distress (SRD) grant from the government to build a beauty business that will sustain her even after the grant is no more.
When Jabulile Nsele matriculated in 2019, it was very difficult for her to find a tertiary institution that she could study at because she could not find placement. She also could not find a job, but she developed an interest for doing nails.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the relief grant was introduced to help unemployed people and those living in poverty, she was fortunate enough to be able to save some of it to start a business. She saved all the grant for the first three months and used that money to buy supplies.
Nsele said her first paying customer was the person who motivated her to never give up on her small business and publicised her work on various media platforms.
Nsele said that her friends were the ones who were supportive enough to find customers for her. “My friends were the ones referring other people to me, posting and sharing my work on social media.”
She also said that life before the business was boring. “I would wake up, clean, watch television, read books, cook and go to sleep again.” Now it’s very difficult, as she no longer has time for herself.
“Today I bath and eat if I have the time, then wait for my clients,” Nsele said. Once the first client comes, she gets busy for almost the whole day. “After work I pray, bath and sleep.” she said.
She also said that at the start of her business she would receive R150 a week but now receives, R1000 a week.
She said her future plans for her business is to own a big salon. “I want to open a big salon. More than I have now, something bigger than what I have, like a massage, eyebrows, waxing and so on.”
Besides the plans to grow her business, Nsele said, she also wants to further her education. She said she is going to a TVET college next month to study Human Resources Management.
