Havillah Skincare Seeks To Cater For African Black Skin
Havillah Skincare Seeks To Cater For African Black Skin. Havillah Skincare range consists of natural products dermatologically tested treatments to suit the customers’ needs, whether to keep it moisturised, protected and glowing, to fight first wrinkles or even to get rid of pigmentation and skin imperfection. Mabel Ledwaba founded Havillah Beauty in 2008; she is a passionate beautician and a business woman of note.
Havillah Beauty focuses its business model into more retail, focusing on market penetration of own-brand foundation. Havillah expanded its market coverage to national, with the establishment of retail outlets in several South African cities, and also through concept of mall activations. Havillah Beauty has also established a presence in neighbouring countries such as Botswana.
Ledwaba, who was tapping into a market at a time when international cosmetics dominated in South Africa, was determined to make a mark as a local brand. “We manufacture products that directly target our clients’ skin care problems, in our case catering for black skin, and doing it well. This is what makes us different.” Ledwaba told Independent Online.
As her popularity grew throughout her community she pursued a qualification in cosmetology and honed her talent for hair-dressing. “I remember I was the highest paid because everyone got paid on commission, and everybody wanted me to do their hair. That, as well, taught me business skills. I saw the professional side,” she said.
Ledwaba told Independent Online that, “I realised from a young age that there was a gap in the beauty industry, there were not many beauty brands specifically for black people and those that did, had limited options and products available. It was then that I realised the need and had the dream of starting my own business.”
“We do not manufacture from scratch, but we are mainly responsible for the colours we mix. We have a supplier in Germany, who supplies other brands. We tell them to mix the colours in a specific way so that we have our colours. It was important to me to start up a brand like Havillah Beauty that provides skin care products that specifically cater for black people and provide them with a range of products and options. Small business owners need to be taught about various ways to conduct and come up with innovative ways for their businesses. That way these businesses can manage to stay afloat even in difficult times.” Ledwaba added.
