BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA (INTERN)
MBABANE – While many university students wait until graduation to begin their professional journeys, 22-year-old Anele Hlophe has chosen a different path by building her own business while completing her studies.
Hlophe, a final-year Social Work student at Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU), is steadily establishing herself in the wellness and fragrance industries while successfully balancing her academic responsibilities.
Raised in Hawane with her mother and sisters, Hlophe experienced the loss of her father at the age of three. She says the experience helped shape her determination to work hard and build a secure future.
“I didn’t want to wait until I graduate and get a job to start enjoying life and earning money,” she explained. “If I start a business now, by the time I graduate I will already have a financial foundation.”
Her entrepreneurial journey began in May when she joined Forever Living Products as a preferred customer. Using a portion of her monthly student allowance, she purchased the smallest starter package she could afford.
With the support of a mentor and consistent effort, she gradually expanded her business and has since progressed to the level of assistant supervisor within the company’s network.
Hlophe believes her studies in Social Work have significantly influenced the way she approaches entrepreneurship. Instead of focusing solely on sales, she places emphasis on understanding people’s needs and helping them find solutions.
“In Social Work we help people help themselves,” she said. “My business allows me to do something similar by giving others an opportunity to improve their financial situations.”
Starting a business while studying has not been without challenges. With limited resources, Hlophe often had to make difficult decisions and prioritise reinvesting her profits back into the business in order to grow.
She explained that social media has played a major role in promoting her products. Platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp have enabled her to reach customers and market her brand effectively.
Recently, Hlophe expanded her business into the fragrance market, driven by her personal passion for perfumes.
“I have always believed you are never fully dressed without perfume,” she said. “The quality and affordability of oil-based fragrances inspired me to explore this market.”
In a country where youth unemployment remains a challenge, Hlophe believes entrepreneurship can create opportunities for young people to build independence and financial stability.
Her journey reflects the growing spirit of innovation among Eswatini’s youth, demonstrating how determination, creativity and education can work together to create meaningful opportunities.
#YouthEntrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #StudentSuccess #EswatiniInspiration
