AFRO BRANDS: REAL STARFLEX EMPOWERING CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY THROUGH DIGITAL PRODUCTION

Real Starflex Founder, Tumisang Mohloa

Real Starflex, founded in 2022 by Tumisang Mohloai from Ha Leqele Maseru, Lesotho, has evolved into a dynamic production company, redefining digital marketing and creative expression in the industry. At its core, Real Starflex is committed to nurturing talent, innovation, and community engagement.

Real Starflex’s Diverse Offerings

Tumisang Mohloai, a visionary entrepreneur, laid the foundation of Real Starflex with a focus on graphics and cloth branding. However, recognizing the transformative potential of digital platforms, Real Starflex transitioned to incorporate a broader spectrum of services, including website development, marketing, photography, and video production. They also do sports updates on both local and international clubs and have Flex clothing Merchandise that’s available for purchase.

“As part of our service offer, we now have added a profile magazine, which its first edition got published on 30 April 2024. In this magazine we feature artists, athletes, influencers and entrepreneurs,” shares Tumisang.

He adds, “As of May, we have started managing local models. We also have introduced a theatre club called Kingdom Theatre Club, where we coach young kids in music, dance, modelling and drama’.

Real Starflex Profile Magazine

Differentiation and Addressing Industry Challenges

Tumisang says, what sets Real Starflex apart is its holistic approach to branding and advertising. By integrating creativity with community engagement, they transcend conventional marketing standards. He explains, “Our goal is to produce content and monitor upcoming talent so that Lesotho can take pride in everything that is produced in our country”.

Real Starflex also tackles technological challenges that are faced by small businesses in Lesotho. “In an ever-evolving digital landscape, staying up-to-date on trends and technologies is important. Through our continuous learning and adaptation we are dedicated to empowering Basotho small businesses with digital solutions, bridging the gap between technology and traditional industries,” says Tumisang.

Real Starflex Founder, Tumisang Mohloa

Community Engagement

Real Starflex’s commitment to community extends beyond business endeavours. Their forthcoming digital platform aims to take content creation to another level by providing Lesotho artists with a global stage.

“Our plan is to have a website and build an app where Basotho can submit their films, music, newspapers, E-books /Magazines before the end of this year. This will help them make revenue via downloads and subscriptions, it will also help us to sell our own products digitally”.

Tumisang adds that their dream is to become a big production company like Universal, Sony and HBO. As he aptly puts it, “We’re not just building a company; we’re building a legacy. With the work we are doing, we are laying a foundation so that those who come after us won’t have to start from scratch”.

For those seeking Real Starflex’s services, they can be found across social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, under the handle @Realstarflex. Further inquiries can be directed to their contact number +26662366661 or email business.starflex@gmail.com.

AFRO BRANDS: BAOBAB SWIRLS’S JOURNEY TO NURTURING SKIN AND COMMUNITY

In a world full of skincare options that promise miracles in bottles, Baobab Swirls stands out as a testament to simplicity, authenticity, and the power of nature. Founded with a vision to offer impeccable, all-natural skincare solutions, Baobab Swirls skincare products traces its roots to the inspired journey of its founder, Rosalina Mwanza. Originating from Lusaka in Zambia, Rosalina got her attraction of rose-shaped soaps in a craft magazine, and in 2015 she started her journey from her kitchen. She handcrafted soaps that embodied her commitment to clean ingredients.

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Commitment to Cleanliness

Rosalina says Baobab Swirls distinguishes itself through an unwavering dedication to creating products that are not only effective but also entirely free from harmful chemicals.

“Our dedication to using only the highest quality, ethically sourced ingredients ensures that our customers receive skincare products that are both safe and beneficial for their skin. We meticulously source our ingredients from reputable suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. When selecting ingredients, we prioritize purity, potency, and efficacy, ensuring that each component contributes to the overall quality and effectiveness of our products,” she shares.

A Masterpiece of Blends

Baobab Swirls’ skincare products offer ranges from handcrafted soaps, roll-on, face cream, lip balm, and baby skincare items. Through careful product research and experimentation, each blend is curated to delight the senses while nourishing the skin with therapeutic properties.

“We carefully experiment with different combinations to create unique and indulgent blends that not only smell delightful but also offer therapeutic properties for the skin. Factors such as seasonality, customer feedback, and emerging skincare trends also influence our flavour choices”.

Baobab Swirls embraces their responsibility to sustainability wholeheartedly. From eco-friendly packaging to minimal waste production, every aspect of the operation reflects a commitment to environmental care.

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Overcoming Challenges

 However, like any other business, a path to success is not without its hurdles. Baobab Swirls has faced its share of challenges. Nevertheless, Rosalina says they had to navigate a crowded market so to educate consumers about the benefits of natural skincare.

“We’ve had so many challenges but we managed to overcome them through strategic marketing initiatives, fostering authentic connections with our customers, and continuously innovating our product offerings to meet evolving needs and preferences”.

Prioritizing Customer Satisfaction

Rosalina adds that, at Baobab Swirls customer satisfaction is important. “We prioritize transparency, and we actively seek feedback from our customers. We also strive to exceed our customer’s expectations at every touchpoint. We offer personalized skincare recommendations, responsive customer support, and seamless online shopping experiences”.

The impact of Baobab Swirls proves to extend beyond skincare; it resonates within the community. Through partnerships with local artisans and educational workshops, they play the role of contributing towards economic empowerment and knowledge sharing.

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Future Plans

Looking ahead, Rosalina says they are committed to expanding their product line and furthering their impact in the natural skincare industry. “We have exciting developments in the pipeline, including the introduction of innovative formulations, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at fostering a more sustainable and inclusive beauty landscape,” Rosalina concludes.

For Baobab Swirls products visit www.baobabswirls.com

AFRO BRANDS: TAUSI APP BRIDGING THE GAP IN BEAUTY INDUSTRY

Tausi App, a BeautyTech company, has emerged as a beacon of innovation in the beauty industry, bridging the gap in the beauty industry between beauticians and clients with its intuitive platform. Tausi App aims to transform the beauty industry and the way people connect with beauty professionals in Africa.

Founder of Tausi App, Amos Kimani from Nairobi, Kenya, takes us through the visionary behind Tausi App, he delves into the inspiration, strategies, and future aspirations of his transformative venture.

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The birth of Tausi App

As a former popular musician in Kenya, Amos experienced first-hand challenges in finding the on-the-go beauty services, which then sparked the idea for Tausi App.

“I always wanted beauty services for myself and my dancers on my video sets, but finding a beautician on the go was always hard compared to finding an Uber driver. This realization sparked the vision for the Tausi App. My aim with Tausi App is not about bridging the gap in the beauty industry, but also to provide opportunities for self-employment to beauticians while offering convenient, personalized beauty services to users,” shares Amos.

Ensuring Quality and Professionalism

With now over 20,000 clients served and 6,000 beauticians onboarded, Tausi App’s rapid growth can be accredited to a combination of factors. Moreover, their commitment to ensuring quality services and professionalism among onboarded beauticians has been key for Tausi App.  

To maintain high standards of service, Amos says they make use of regular assessments, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing training sessions to keep beauticians updated with industry trends. Also, their seamless user experience has fostered customer loyalty.

Furthermore, Amos says their app’s unique features, including AI-driven personalized beauty services and community engagement, sets the app apart in the market. “We strive to strike a balance between providing luxury services and ensuring affordability. By catering to diverse needs and budgets, Tausi App remains inclusive while maintaining quality standards.

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Prioritizing Safety and Peace of Mind

 He adds, “We implement a rigorous onboarding process, including partnerships with reputable beauty colleges for training. Our search process benefits both beauty seekers and beauticians alike. Beauty seekers can easily find the right professional based on their specific needs and preferences, while beauticians gain visibility and access to a broader clientele, Amos Explains.

To prioritize the safety and peace of mind of both clients and beauticians, Tausi App has implemented healthy security features.

“To us, background checks, identity verification, and user ratings are integral parts of our platform. Then the in-app communication system facilitates secure interactions, with a dedicated support team ready to address any concerns promptly”.

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Shaping the Future of Beauty

Tausi App has been instrumental in terms of impact on job creation in communities, “by providing beauticians with opportunities for self-employment, we contribute to economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The platform’s growth generates indirect employment opportunities, further benefiting local communities”.

Despite challenges faced along the journey, including regulatory hurdles and market dynamics, Tausi App remains resilient.

“Looking ahead, our future plans include geographical expansion to reach more users and beauticians across Africa. We aim to continually innovate, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance our services. Community engagement will remain a focus, fostering a supportive network for beauticians. Tausi App envisions being a key player in shaping the future of the beauty industry, combining inclusivity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled experience,” Amos concludes.

AFRO BRANDS: THE HILLS COLLECTION ILLUMINATING LIVES ONE CANDLE AT A TIME 

In the midst of Nairobi’s busy streets, an idea came to life in the year 2020, birthing The Hills Collection Candles. What began as a modest experiment in a family kitchen blossomed into a beacon of passion, sustainability, and excellence, dedicated to illuminating lives one candle at a time.

The Birth of The Hills Collection

Driven by a desire to infuse homes with ambiance and relaxation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the founders, a dynamic duo of sisters, embarked on a journey to create candles that surpassed mere fragrance. They envisioned candles that would not only evoke serenity but also champion sustainability and excellence.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, my sister and I felt the need to make our space at home more ambient, enjoyable, and relaxing since we had to be indoors throughout that period. We did our research and as we thought to make these candles for ourselves, however, the idea came to mind that we could bridge the scented candle gap in the country,” shares Cheptoo Chirchir, Co-founder.

The journey of crafting each candle is a testament to their commitment to quality. Every candle undergoes thorough testing, spanning over twelve months, so to ensure perfection. From sourcing high-quality raw materials to hand-pouring each candle in their new home studio, precision and excellence are part of every step of the process.

Sustainable Practices and Sustainability Program

The Hills Collection’s key element is sustainability and embracing eco-friendly practices. The duo prioritizes the use of renewable resources and promotes recycling through its innovative sustainability program. This initiative not only reduces waste but also empowers customers to embrace conscious consumption.

“Our sustainability program called ‘Sustaina-hillity’ is a program for our customers, where they can return empty jars for a discount on their next order”.

Central to their mission is the creation of candles that foster moments of calm and mindfulness. Each fragrance is carefully curated, transforming any space into a sanctuary amidst the chaos of daily life.

“We select our fragrances from different suppliers, depending on the collection or theme we are working on that season. Then produce sample candles which we burn ourselves. We also give some to our friends and family, then use the feedback to decide on the scents. Each scent and collection tell a different story inspired by different experiences”.

Overcoming Challenges

However, as most businesses do, at The Hills they also came across challenges in their journey which was not only the transitioning to a new studio.

“We have faced quite several challenges, which is expected. The biggest we would mention though, is getting the Kenyan market to respond to the idea of purchasing candles and creating a habit of burning candles. Moreover, we wanted them to get used to the idea that high-quality products can be made in Kenya, by Kenyans. During our journey though, we have learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and expand our reach,” Cheptoo concludes.

The Hills Collection’s Future Plans

Looking ahead, The Hills Collection envisions expanding its product portfolio with unique candle collections, continuously responding to the evolving needs of its customers. While currently available in Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan, they are open to shipping to South Africa upon request.

To shop for The Hills Collection’s exquisite candles, customers can connect through Instagram @thehills.collection or visit their website www.thehillscollection.co.ke.  For SA customers, shipping arrangements can be made.

Afro Brands – Trade Kings: Zambia’s FMCG Giants

In our latest edition of Afro Brands, we focus on Trade Kings in Zambia and their impressive journey and growth since they first started. This special feature highlights successful African brands in different industries and sectors.

Trade Kings, founded by Imran Iqbal Patel in 1995, has become the biggest FMCG manufacturer in Zambia. The company is known for producing high-quality brands and products, making it a leading privately-owned manufacturer in Southern Africa. Trade Kings operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Zambia and Zimbabwe, allowing them to serve local, regional, and global markets.

Trade Kings Group consists of four clusters: food, beverage, laundry, home and personal care products, and steel. This showcases the company’s versatility and ability to meet diverse customer needs. The company’s success can be attributed to its wide range of products and brands. In addition to detergents and soaps, they now offer candy, snacks, cereals, seasoning, biscuits, beverages, and even venture into mining and steel production.

This expansion has made Trade Kings Group a prominent player in various industries. For the second year in a row, Trade Kings, a Zambian conglomerate, has earned a place in the prestigious Top 10 Most Admired Brands list by African Business Magazine in 2023. With a notable increase of 10 points, Trade Kings is now ranked among the Top 10 Most Admired African Brands, closely trailing Nigeria’s Dangote in the consumer goods sector.

The company’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident through its adherence to global standards. Trade Kings invests in research and development to continuously improve their products and processes, making them globally competitive.

Overall, Trade Kings’ journey from its establishment to becoming the largest FMCG manufacturer in Zambia reflects their dedication to growth, innovation, and excellence. With their extensive product range, focus on quality, and global competitiveness, Trade Kings Group has established itself as a leader in the manufacturing industry in Southern Africa and beyond.

Afrobrands: Lisa Folawiyo’s Fashion Revolution in Nigeria and Beyond

Women in Ankara dresses by Lisa Folawiyo

Lisa Folawiyo, the creative force behind the popular fashion brand “Lisa Folawiyo,” is a Nigerian fashion designer who has made waves in the industry. Despite not having any formal training in design, she embarked on her fashion journey in 2005 with Jewel by Lisa, starting with a humble investment of 20,000 Naira (R442,66). Collaborating with her mother, she brought her vision to life by purchasing 12 yards of fabric.

Lisa Folawiyo

What sets Lisa Folawiyo’s designs apart is her exclusive use of Ankara textiles, vibrant wax-resistant dyed fabrics commonly found in West Africa. She has been instrumental in promoting Nigerian designers and their work on a global scale. Lisa’s talent lies in elevating traditional African prints, making them appealing to a diverse audience worldwide.

Lisa Folawiyo collection, Industries Africa

With showrooms in Nigeria and New York, Lisa Folawiyo’s collections can be found in the UK, the US, South Africa, and Nigeria. Her unique aesthetic has been a key factor in her success. In 2012, she was honored with the African Fashion Awards and has collaborated with renowned brands like L’Oréal. Her designs have also graced the runway of Moda Operandi.

In 2015, Lisa Folawiyo made the bold decision to rebrand her line from “Jewel by Lisa” to ‘Lisa Folawiyo’ in order to simplify the brand name and appeal to a global audience. This strategic move was driven by her aspiration to compete on a larger international level.

Lisa Folawiyo’s fashion revolution has not only put Nigeria on the map but has also captivated the world with her innovative designs. She is a true inspiration for aspiring fashion designers everywhere.