Hailing from the vibrant township of Alexandra in Gauteng, Ayanda Majola, a 23-year-old medical science student, stands as the founder and managing director of Yanda Cosmetics, a burgeoning skincare brand. Drawing inspiration from her personal struggles with acne since the age of 13, Ayanda embarked on a journey to create a brand that addresses the needs of individuals dealing with skin conditions like hers. Yanda Cosmetics, established in 2021, offers a thoughtfully curated range of skincare products, meticulously formulated with effective ingredients to combat acne and promote overall skin health.
While juggling her studies and entrepreneurial endeavours, Ayanda has grown her brand’s range and retail partnerships, extending her reach beyond local borders into Botswana. Her relentless efforts in the personal care industry caught the attention of Mail & Guardian, earning her a spot on their list of 200 Young South Africans in 2022.
The genesis of Yanda Cosmetics can be traced back to Ayanda’s background in medical science, providing her with a profound understanding of skin biology and the underlying causes of various skin conditions. This knowledge informs the development of products that target specific acne-causing mechanisms and ensures the efficacy and safety of the ingredients used.
Ayanda’s journey to establish Yanda Cosmetics was marked by perseverance and resourcefulness. Starting as a lip gloss brand to gain experience and understand the market dynamics, she saved her bursary allowance to invest in the necessary raw materials and equipment. As the brand evolved, Ayanda focused on refining formulas and expanding the product line to cater to diverse skin concerns.
Navigating the competitive beauty market and building brand recognition proved to be formidable challenges for Ayanda. Nevertheless, partnering with major online retailers and receiving positive feedback from customers have been gratifying highlights of her journey.
Looking ahead, Ayanda envisions Yanda Cosmetics becoming a globally recognized skincare brand with a strong market presence and a devoted customer base that trusts the brand’s products. She aims to challenge conventional beauty standards and foster inclusivity by normalizing skin conditions.
In the spirit of Youth Month, Ayanda encourages aspiring young entrepreneurs to take action and validate their ideas in the real world, eschewing the trap of overthinking or waiting for the “perfect moment.” Yanda Cosmetics’ products are available for purchase on their online store at www.yandacosmetics.co.za, as well as through retail partners such as Makro, Zando, Takealot, and the Avo app by Nedbank. For customers in Botswana, the brand’s products are available at skincarealert.bw.
According to event organizer Warren Hickenbotham, this year’s expo will take interactions to a whole new level with innovative improvements. The introduction of the African Biotrade Festival will be a game-changer for the event. Collaborating with the German aid agency GIZ and supported by South Africa’s departments of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment, and Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the festival will offer various elements, including hosted overseas buyers, thought-provoking conferences, engaging workshops, productive matchmaking sessions, dynamic B2B forums, captivating demonstrations, and numerous investment and trade opportunities.
For those seeking personalized recommendations or beauty advice, Kiyomisandz provides a dedicated customer support team. Customers can reach out to them via email or phone, receiving expert guidance and assistance in choosing the most suitable products for their specific needs.
South African businesses that attended the In-cosmetic Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, are optimistic about the opportunities it presented for the beauty industry. Thuli Hlongwane, founder and CEO of Prim-U, noted the interest in her company’s products and ingredients received from potential clients, and the importance of establishing a presence in countries where they plan to expand. Magdelen Govender of Empire Salon Specialist expressed her gratitude for the connections made with both large and small companies that are willing to work with her company.
Uso by African Dermal Science is a premium skincare brand that has been developed with the aim of delivering radiant, youthful skin that reflects the unique beauty of African skin. The brand’s inspiration comes from the founder and CEO, Dr Theo Mothoa-Frendo, who noticed a trend amongst women of darker complexions who were struggling to find quality skincare that addressed the specific needs of their skin.
KAEME is a premium Ghanaian company that specializes in personal care products that are inspired by unforgettable memories and cherished experiences. The name KAEME is derived from the Akan phrase “forget me not” which literally means “remember me”. At KAEME, each product is crafted with love to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.
Essential Skincare is a brand that offers a range of natural and organic skincare products infused with the essence of Africa. Founded on the principles of sustainability, fair trade, and ethical practices, Essential Skincare is dedicated to providing customers with high-quality products that are free from synthetic chemicals, cheap fillers, and nasty additives.
Luguah Naturals is a natural hair, skin, and lip care brand that focuses on using the best oils and kinds of butter sourced from Africa. Founded in October 2016 by Lulu Kimbio and Mbugua Macharia, the brand is dedicated to providing its customers with high-quality products that are gentle on the skin and hair.
Tricia Naturals is a natural hair care brand founded by Tricia Wanjala, a Kenyan entrepreneur and beauty influencer. The brand offers a range of hair care products made with natural ingredients, such as shea butter, castor oil, and aloe vera, to promote healthy hair growth and maintain moisture.