2 days ago
Gorgeous, independent and business-minded all the way
EVATON.- Suzette Duvane (26) from Evaton West, Extension 7 (Hlala's) has been independent since 2018.
That is when she decided to start her hair business.
For Duvane, it all started as a joke when she used to braid kids in her neighbourhood during school holidays, especially during the festive season when she was still in high school.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the hair salon owner said, 'I didn't go to school for that, but I'd watch my mom do people's hair, and that's where I learned how to braid. Years passed by, and I was doing the same thing over and over again. The business was doing great until I lost many clients because people were now doing hair installations, and that's when I realised that I had to do something about it or else I won't be
making something for myself.'
In 2023, she decided to implement hair installation in her salon.
'It was not an official salon; I was working inside my mother's house, and, at first, I was scared of going all out with it because I doubted my work and I didn't think people would be interested until 2024 when I saw that I've improved a lot and started posting on my social media platforms.'
Business was slow at that time, and she had a few clients who would recommend their friends by word of mouth, and that's how her clientele grew.
'In 2024, on the 1st of August, since it was Women's Month, I decided to start selling hair and hair products. Yes, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to do that because I didn't have many clients, but I believed in God and trusted the process. From that day, everything changed, my business grew, and I have had many clients to this day. I even moved my salon from my mom's house to my mom's garage.'
She told Sedibeng Ster that life and business as a whole are not all roses and smooth sailing.
'Well, there are times when business is not doing well, and sometimes it does well, but I believe that's how one grows in business. The best is yet to come, and many things are still to be done. In conclusion, I'll advise people who are on their journey of starting their own businesses to never be afraid of going all out, because being afraid will hold you back.'
Duvane believes that people should also believe in themselves and strive for what they truly desire. They should never be ashamed of who says what, no matter what.
'Above everything else, they should believe in God before anyone and trust the process. Lastly, may people never stop supporting my business and grow with me.'
