SPOTLIGHT FRIDAY| Sibonisile Mahlangu

It is often said that: ” Courage makes a man put out that extra something, when it seems there is nothing else left to give”.

Meet Sibonisile Mahlangu, a 26-year-old lady who is born and raised in Thubelihle, Kriel, Mpumalanga. She was raised by her uncle and aunt (Mme le Ntate Masemola) until the age of 17. She then moved back to live with her mother, who has always been a part of her life. “I had the most amazing childhood. Even though my father disappeared after I was born, I was still raised by a father who loved me as he’s own daughter,” she says.

Sibonisile’s decision to go into entrepreneurship came from her not having money to further her studies after she completed matric because her mother had built them a home and she had to wait for that project to complete.

She was passionate about modeling and while she was waiting for her mom at the time; she started attending modeling classes , she then got better and moved to Johannesburg to infuse her modeling career. ” I got a job at a furniture shop as a salesperson and was hostessing at events as a side hustle just to make ends meet and keep me going but the pattern of waking up and working on someone else’s terms did not sit well with me” and that is when she went to do her own thing.

She initially started entrepreneurship in 2017 where she tried a lot of things and was all over the place trying original ideas to see which one works best and she eventually found her niche in selling products as she had a lot of experience from being a salesperson.

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do”

Sibonisile’s loves everything that has to do with beauty and cosmetics, so she decided to sell beauty products. ” I had to find products that works for me so that I can market better and make sales” Sibonisile says. The year 2017 and 2018 were challenging for her as she was new and still adapting.

We asked Sibonisile what does she enjoy most about what she does and she said: ” I enjoy working with people, especially women, and sometimes it is challenging but I believe challenges make us grow and help us improve dealing with people.”

Apart from selling beauty products , Sibonisile is also a self-taught make-up artist. She does a lot of community work of giving back. She hosts women empowerment events in Kriel and she is also the founder of Miss Kriel, Mpumalanga.

She says her work is personal and her personal life is intertwined with her career. “I am the brand and the brand is me, “she adds.

Any advice for prospective entrepreneurs/ young girls who aspire to follow their dreams but are afraid?

You’ve got nothing to lose but everything to gain. Experience is good for your growth, whether good or bad and nothing grows in its comfort zone. Taking risks will take you where life needs you and also give you what life has for you.

What is your favorite thing about working with women in your community?

The impact I have on their lives and vice versa. I learn and understand a lot of things better when working with women in my community.

What has entrepreneurship taught you?

It is not about me but about what I give. The knowledge, wisdom and understanding and the business is not all about me but the next person who benefits from it.

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work”.

Despite the challenges , Sbo says this is only the beginning for her.

This is Sibonisile Mahlangu, the founder and creative director of Ubuhle Bebhudango and Miss Kriel Teen and Co-Founder of Women of Purpose.

Find her on instagram : @sbo_hlangu and her business @ubuhle_bebhudango, @miss_krielteen and @women_ofpurpose