BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Fashion, food, skin expert and philanthropist best sum up the many hats Nthabiseng Khoza wears.
She is a digital creator, a fashion expert, and a skin expert, and she makes the most scrumptious meals for her 76,300 followers on Instagram. She is a dedicated and passionate entrepreneur who holds her role as a proud boy mom in high regard.
She shared with us her journey of how she monetized her passion for food and partnered with one of the biggest food brands. She also has her own skin product, and she is also a fashion expert.
Who is Nthabiseng Khoza?
As a Christian woman, she relies on her faith to guide her through life’s challenges and successes. She is also the founder and CEO of Hilda Overnight Skin, a rapidly expanding skincare company that prides itself on being both black-owned and female-led.
My roots trace back to Eskomu in Mbabane and Ekwaluseni in Matsapha, reflecting on my upbringing as a proud “kasi” girl. Despite my current entrepreneurial success, many may not be aware that I have a history in the food industry. In the past, she ran a food business from her home, preparing and packaging meals, which she then delivered to clients in towns like Manzini.
How did you start your food business?
An interesting turn of events occurred when I began sharing my son’s lunchbox creations on social media. Little did I anticipate that this simple act would lead to a lucrative business opportunity. Through my posts, I caught the attention of Yum Yum, with whom I have since collaborated. This collaboration is poised to bring my culinary talents to a wider audience, providing an exciting new avenue for me to showcase my skills and creativity.
My journey from selling home-cooked meals to partnering with a well-known brand is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. It highlights her ability to recognise and capitalise on opportunities, ultimately paving the way for her continued success in the food industry.
Tell us about your skin product
Four years ago, I embarked on a journey to establish a resilient skincare company that would not only fulfil my personal ambitions but also empower black women. My vision was to create a business with dependable, recurring revenue that would grow each day. Leveraging my experience from managing Jewelcoza for a decade, a thriving enterprise that initially started as a personal brand and has since expanded to encompass fashion styling, personal brand building, and charity organisations, amongst other businesses; I have honed my skills in entrepreneurship and mentoring other women.
You also have a charity organisation; tell us more about it.
My philanthropic endeavours extend beyond my business ventures. Through the charity organisation, Jewelcoza Breakfast of Hope, I have made it my mission to ensure that children, particularly those from low-income families, have access to a nutritious breakfast. Recognising the critical role that breakfast plays in a child’s overall well-being and academic success, the organisation is dedicated to providing this essential meal to children in need.
Breakfast of Hope recently donated books, awarded the best performing students from Grades 1–7, and served breakfast to the children of Msunduza Primary School in Mbabane, Eswatini. By addressing the issue of hunger among these students, the organisation aims to empower them to start their day with the energy and nourishment necessary to thrive academically.
How does one become a strong brand?
To become a strong brand, it’s important to represent yourself in the way you want to be perceived. This involves carefully crafting your brand image, messaging, and values to align with your vision and the impression you want to leave. By presenting yourself authentically and consistently, you can build trust and credibility, which are essential for establishing a strong brand. Additionally, focusing on delivering value, staying adaptable to change, and continuously innovating are all key factors in building a brand that stands out.
In short, to become a strong brand, it takes a combination of vision, authenticity, consistency, and resilience.
What advice would you give an aspiring influencer?
Find Your Niche: Identify a specific area of interest or expertise that sets you apart from others. Focusing on a niche allows you to build a dedicated following and establish yourself as an authority in that particular area.
Authenticity Matters: Be authentic and genuine in your content. Audiences are drawn to influencers who are true to themselves and transparent in their interactions.
Quality over quantity: prioritise quality content over the frequency of posting. Consistently delivering high-value content will help you stand out and retain your audience’s interest.
Collaborate and Network: Building relationships with other influencers and brands can expand your reach and provide new opportunities for growth.
What can you advise the youth about posting damaging content?
Think Before You Post: Before sharing anything online, consider how it might reflect on your character and reputation. Once something is posted, it can be challenging to remove it entirely.
Be Mindful of Tone and Language: Avoid posting content that is offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful towards others. Always maintain a respectful and considerate tone in your interactions.
Avoid Illegal or Questionable Activities: Refrain from sharing content that depicts illegal activities, violence, bullying, or any behaviour that could be damaging to your personal and professional image.
Future Impact: Understand that your online presence can impact your future opportunities, including education, career, and personal relationships. Reflect on whether your posts align with the image you want to present to the world.
