Finance Leader to Wellness Entrepreneur: The Story Behind Tshepiso-entle Self-care

Finance Leader to Wellness Entrepreneur: The Story Behind Tshepiso-entle Self-care. Building a brand is rarely a straight path. For Selapeng Maledimo, the journey that led to the creation of Tshepiso-entle Self-care reflects a blend of professional discipline, community awareness, and a growing demand for wellness products rooted in natural ingredients. Founded in July 2023 and based in Fourways, Johannesburg, Tshepiso-entle Self-care is a 100 percent Black female owned business specialising in handcrafted self care and wellness products made from natural ingredients.

While the company operates in the wellness space, its foundation is closely tied to Maledimo’s broader professional journey as a finance executive and leader. Her experience across auditing, accounting, risk management, compliance, and asset management shaped the strategic thinking that now guides the young brand.

The Professional Foundation That Shaped the Brand

Selapeng Maledimo grew up in Mphanama, a village in rural Limpopo. Her decision to pursue a career in finance was influenced by her elder sister Ashleigh Maledimo, a chartered accountant and Finance Manager at IDF Capital. Over time, Selapeng built a strong professional profile that spans multiple industries.

She currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at Mahlopi Metals Group, a Level 1 B-BBEE mining company focused on exploration, opencast mining, and beneficiation. Her experience also includes leadership roles in the pharmaceutical sector at Pfizer, where she became the company’s inaugural information officer responsible for the Protection of Personal Information Act.

This background provided the operational discipline and governance mindset that later became critical when launching Tshepiso-entle Self-care. The first lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs emerges clearly here: professional skills gained in one industry can become valuable tools when building a completely different business.

Launching Tshepiso-entle Self-care in 2023

Tshepiso-entle Self-care was officially established in July 2023 with a focus on holistic wellness and self care products. The brand specialises in products that are thoughtfully handcrafted with natural ingredients. In addition to individual purchases, the company also offers customised gift packages designed for special occasions.

A key element of the brand’s offering is accessibility. Tshepiso-entle Self-care provides nationwide shipping, allowing customers across South Africa to access its products regardless of location. The business also collaborates with organisations to support corporate wellness initiatives, helping companies enhance their wellness days with curated self care products.

This combination of individual retail and corporate collaboration reflects an important strategic approach. Instead of relying on a single revenue stream, the company positioned itself to serve both consumers and businesses.

Early Milestones and Market Exposure

Despite being a young company, Tshepiso-entle Self-care achieved several notable milestones within its first three months of operation. The business became a participant in the MyDough incubation programme, which supports emerging entrepreneurs.

The brand also showcased its offerings at Deloitte’s 2023 Wellness Day and the Young Leaders Connect IDEAL Annual Summit in the same year. These appearances provided exposure to new audiences and helped introduce the products to corporate and leadership networks.

Another major moment came when Tshepiso-entle Self-care sponsored the International Women’s Forum South Africa Hall of Femme Awards. The collaboration with prominent brands during the event helped strengthen the company’s visibility within influential professional circles.

For emerging founders, this stage highlights an important lesson. Strategic visibility often matters just as much as product development. Events, incubators, and partnerships can rapidly accelerate brand awareness.

Leadership, Networks, and the Power of Community

Selapeng Maledimo’s broader leadership involvement also contributes to the story behind Tshepiso-entle Self-care. She serves as a non executive director at Rinato Clinic and Medipost Pharmacy, representing the interests of the Public Investment Corporation.

She is also actively involved in leadership development initiatives. Her participation in the Women in Leadership Programme by the International Women’s Forum South Africa played a pivotal role in her professional journey. The programme later contributed to the launch of the FASSET Women’s Legacy initiative, which aims to graduate 1,000 female leaders by 2025.

Maledimo’s commitment to mentorship and leadership extends further through her work with organisations such as African Women Chartered Accountants and Young Leaders Connect IDEAL. These networks highlight how professional ecosystems can influence entrepreneurial growth.

For aspiring founders, the takeaway is clear. Building a business rarely happens in isolation. Networks, mentorship, and leadership platforms can open doors that traditional marketing cannot.

Lessons from the Rise of Tshepiso-entle Self-care

Although still early in its journey, the story of Tshepiso-entle Self-care offers several practical insights for entrepreneurs.

One of the strongest lessons is the power of leveraging existing expertise. Maledimo’s finance and governance background provided a structured approach to launching and managing a business.

Another key lesson is the value of strategic partnerships. Participation in incubator programmes, corporate wellness events, and professional networks helped accelerate the brand’s visibility.

The brand also demonstrates the importance of aligning business with purpose. By focusing on self care, wellness, and community empowerment, Tshepiso-entle Self-care positions itself within a growing global movement around holistic wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

Selapeng Maledimo continues to pursue ambitious goals across her various roles. Beyond Tshepiso-entle Self-care, she envisions leading Mahlopi Metals Group toward becoming a global powerhouse with a presence across SADC, Africa, and beyond. She is also working on establishing a Category I and II asset management company aimed at increasing female participation in the capital asset management sector.

At the same time, Tshepiso-entle Self-care continues to grow as a wellness brand rooted in natural ingredients, thoughtful gifting, and corporate wellness collaboration.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the story serves as a reminder that successful brands often grow from a combination of professional experience, community engagement, and the willingness to turn an idea into something tangible.