Nathi Dotwana is a self-made entrepreneur and resides in Khayelitsha Mkhaza. The 26 year old has been in the beauty industry for 8 years. With hard work and a bit of luck, she finally opened her salon, “Nathis Beauty spa.“
Her journey in the beauty industry began when she was in High School and enjoyed doing her friends’ nails and hair. “ I used to do peoples nails and hair in my mother’s home in Khayelitsha Makhaza in my small bedroom I saw that I’m getting a lot of clients my moms house was getting full of clients so I decided to get my own space and that made me feel like a big girl who’s now on her feet and whose ready to take over,” she said.
With business comes hurdles and one of the biggest challenges that Nathi had to face was when her salon caught a devastating fire reducing her dreams to ashes. “The fire started in the early mornings but I got a call at 5am that I must come to the salon and it’s on fire when I got there my heart just stopped for a bit I saw my life flash right before my eyes because this is my bread and butter, the fire started from the informal settlements that are at the back of my salon and no one bothered to come and explain or even the person that started the fire didn’t come to explain, but here I am today I’m still standing and grateful that after the fire I got a lot of support from those close to me,” she recalls the day of the fire.
However, despite the heartbreaking setback, Maya refused to give up. Driven by her passion and the support of her community, she embarked on a journey to rebuild her salon from the ground up.
Nathi’s positive attitude and unwavering spirit resonates with her clients. Not only does her positivity help attract clients, the salon experience that she has created also sets her apart from the rest. “What I offer different is that I’m very intentional about my business, I constantly deliver an exceptional experience to my customers and they now get to experience an aesthetically pleasing salon, stylists that are welcoming, free Wi-Fi and a present salon owner,” she explains.
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There has been numerous proud moments in Nathi’s journey however she recalls renovating her grandmothers house as the proudest moment. “Though I’m not done with it yet but the fact I started with it I’m so proud to know I can do something for her while she’s still alive, because she’s has helped through the toughest times in my life and I’ll forever be grateful for her and to God for blessing with such a thoughtful woman,” she said.
Since the start of her business, Nathi has employed five people and her future goals for her salon are to expand it throughout the whole of South Africa and also opening up an Academy that’s accredited to teach hair and nails.
This mother of ones success story continues to inspire many young people, reminding everyone that setbacks are just stepping stones on the path to achieving one’s dreams.
“To anyone starting up or wants to start their own business please don’t feel demotivated. It takes a lot of hard work and courage to do something you enjoy, always push yourself and your business to your fullest potential, be your own competitor and be inspired by those doing the same thing as you. Never limit yourself because everyone’s dreams will always come true,” she adds.
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