Over the years wigs have become a definite go-to for many. This has created business opportunities for a number of entrepreneurs. Not having enough capital to start her business didn’t stop Phindile ‘Phindi’ Mtyingizane from starting with the little she had to get into the hair industry. Her business has been a go-to for those who love natural hair or simply looking for convenience. From crowning the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to creating job opportunities for those who are in dire need, Phindi loves what she loves. We chatted to her about her highs and lows, and what it takes to dominate in the hair industry.
GETTING TO KNOW THE OWNER
Besides being Phindi the owner and founder of O’Natural wigs, who is she?
Phindi is a wife to an amazing and supportive husband and a mother of two beautiful kids. Other than making wigs for my business, some of my hobbies are spending time with family, and thrifting clothes and furniture.
Tell us about your childhood?
I grew up in Mthatha with my mom who was a single parent and my two sisters. My favourite thing to do as a kid was going around the neighbourhood visiting my friends and spending our time chit-chatting. My sister always describes me as someone who was ‘out there, extravagant and popular’. I studied in Mthatha till grade 12 and went to further my studies in Durban.
How do you balance family and business?
It’s a bit difficult balancing being a business woman, wife and mother to my children, but I always make time for my family, no matter what.
If not a business owner, what career would you have pursued?
I studied Architectural Technology. My mom was the one who actually advised me to go into architecture, and I think I would still be doing it now if I didn’t focus on my business. Growing up I wanted to design cars or be a choreographer. So if not making wigs for my business, those are the options I would have explored [lol!].
THE JOURNEY OF O’NATURAL WIGS
How did you come up with the name of the business?
I got inspiration for the name of my business from a song by a South African duo called H2O.
How would you describe the journey of the business from start to present?
I always say that it is God who made me start the business because it was never in the books. I came across a video on how to make an Afro wig as I was frustrated with my natural hair and struggled to maintain it. The journey has been a roller-coaster ride. I never saw myself as a business owner but, throughout, I have learnt so much, especially from my husband who is very much business-minded.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?
My biggest challenges would be trying to find people as passionate as I am about wig-making. I still find it difficult to find people to help make the wigs because they think wig-making is not a real job.
How many people have you employed thus far and how has the business given back to the community?
I now have employed three ladies to help me. One is a girl who is studying and is able to pay her fees with her salary and the other one is a 50-year-old lady who had not been working for more than six years.
Tell us about your experience of being on the show Making Moves and being a guest judge on A Cut Above The Rest
Funny enough, on Making Moves in 2018 I was asking for funding and A Cut Above The Rest in 2021 I was a judge. I came across the same crew that shot Making Moves, which then assured me that I was making moves and achieving, and moving forward with my business.
LATEST TRENDS AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NATURAL-HAIR MOVEMENT
What are some of the latest trends in the natural-hair movement?
Ready-to-wear braid wigs, which means less time spent at the salon.
What more can we expect from O’Natural?
I would love to empower young girls and show them the skill of making wigs so they can make and sell for themselves.
Which O’Natural wig do you think best complements the summer time?
The BIGGER the BETTER!
