Matshepo Molotsi
Hello! I am Matshepo Molotsi, CEO & Founder of KebaaSkin Organic Skin Care.
I am a God-fearing and ambitious woman. A creative by birth, an architectural technologist by profession and a beauty enthusiast by passion, I graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2019. I’m also a self-taught makeup artist, and of course, the founder and CEO of KebaaSkin Organic Skin Care.
I am a visionary, detail-oriented, and I love creating! My entrepreneurial journey began when I realized that I am blessed with many talents (the main one being my creativity) and now I’m continuously learning to turn my talents into business ideas.
Recognition & Media
[I have been featured in a number of media]. My first magazine feature was with Thuba Pelo Mosadi Lets Talk Magazine in August 2021. In October 2021, I was also featured in Indoni Magazine and Ella Magazine.
I was accepted and selected to be part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Business & Entrepreneurship Development Cohort 14, which I graduated from in October 2021. [That same month], I received business funding from HollyWood Bets, through a women’s month initiative by Nomzamo Mbatha and Carol Tshabalala called #EmpoweringHer. I also received business funding from Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development (RBED ). I have been nominated for the SHE Awards (in the Most Promising Founder Under 30 category) and I have also been nominated for the Women’s Lifestyle Awards in the Women in Business category.
In November 2021, I joined the Circle of Global Businesswomen, for which I have been offered an executive position for the North West province board. I am also honoured to have the global president of the organization - Ms. Sindi Mzamo, as my mentor. I was also selected as a finalist representing the North West, to participate in the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) Pitch and Perfect funding competition, which took place on the 30th of November 2021, and I won the competition prize of R100 000.
Company Name: KebaaSkin Organic Skin Care
Location: Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa
Operating since: 2021
Instagram: @kebaaskin
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
KebaaSkin Organic Skin Care is a 100% female-owned business. The range consists of 12 products, both for the face and body, with the best sellers being the Whipped Shea Body Butter, Tumeric Brightening Bar Soap, Rose Infused Body Oil and the Skin Therapy Rose Infused Body Oil.
I started the business in April 2021, after losing my mother to COVID-19 in December 2020. I named the brand after my mother - Kebaakae, which is a Setswana name. I named this business after her as she contributed a lot in my passion for the beauty industry and entrepreneurship.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
After losing my mother, I wanted to do or start something that would keep her memory alive, and to thank her for being the mother she was to me; hence, I started the skin care brand named after her.
Also, as a self taught makeup artist, and someone who was bullied during my teen years because of a birthmark I have on my face, I wanted to help my makeup clients who also experience skin issues that they want to hide (with makeup). I want to help other women get their confidence back by helping them take care of their skin.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company?
Yes I did. I’ve [always] known that I want to have my own makeup or skin care brand. This is evident in the school project I once did back in Grade 11, where we were asked to cut out images from magazines, representing things we want in our bucket lists. My images were beauty products, a magazine cover and a girl in school uniform. Looking back from where I am today, I have indeed accomplished that bucket list.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
Studying architecture really helped me ignite my creative side and instilled a lot of discipline in me. It was during this time when I saw that I have an entrepreneurial spirit in me. That’s when I started my makeup business in the 2nd year of my studies, where I also started doing freelance graphic design work. From there, I started enjoying turning my talents into entrepreneurial opportunities.
What is the biggest personal / professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
Losing my mother.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
Yes, I do consider myself successful. Success for me, is being able to use your business and your story to be of service to the next person. Success is also being able to plan how you’ll get to the top, and using each and every day to work hard at getting closer to your vision.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes, they have. Because my stories are very authentic and are from personal experiences, women around me can relate on a personal level. Every business or initiative I start, I get support, whether from my close family and friends, or my social media followers. I am surrounded by support. I also get incredible support from the Instagram influencers I’ve approached - their responses and efforts in helping me promote my brand is amazing.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
I plan on having my own store one day, but while working on that, I want to work on getting my products into big retail stores in 2022. I also plan to have a number of business networking events, especially for women next year.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Your story will take you places. Start a business that is close to your heart and nurture it with hard work and determination each and everyday. The rewards are worth it.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Creative
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." revolutionary and a superpower.