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WINNING the Standard Bank “My Fearless Next” competition could not have come at a better time for Pietermaritzburg’s Nonhlanhla Mthethwa after she lost a bulk of her product at the beginning of the year.
Mthethwa, who started making black dolls under her company “Girlz Ink” after identifying a gap in the market, beat out five competing finalists to win the grand prize of R1 million and can now focus on her recuperating her business.
The Standard Bank competition focuses on entrepreneurs who have started up businesses on the side, and want to go into them full-time.
Speaking to the Maritzburg Fever, Mthethwa said that her doll, which she named “Baby Thando”, was to emphasise to black girls that they matter.
“I wanted to create the doll to show black girls that they matter and to introduce black dolls into a market that is predominantly white,” said Mthethwa.
Mthethwa said that after winning the competition which introduced to a whole new way of doing business, she was now equipped with the necessary skills to elevate her business to new heights.
“The R1 million which I have won will allow me to branch out with Girlz Ink. Going forward I know that I now have the capital to ensure my business’ success and I am wiser after the competition ...” said Mthethwa.
Mthethwa hopes that through businesses like hers that promote black importance, South Africa can move forward in terms of African beauty.
“Going forward I hope to one establish a manufacturing plant locally,” said Mthethwa.
