By Tlalane Dlamini
In the heart of Matsapha Mobeni, amidst the industrial hum, a unique fragrance entrepreneur Thandeka Dlamini is today’s featured star. She is the founder of LaMpumalanga Fragrances, a brand offering undiluted, non-alcoholic, long-lasting oils that are capturing the attention of customers far and wide.
December 2023 was a leap of faith for Thandeka. Armed with her passion for captivating aromas, she launched her brand. The initial days were a heady mix of excitement and anxiety. She envisioned a flood of customers, drawn to the unique qualities of her oils. But the reality of entrepreneurship, she quickly learned, was far more complex.
“Running a business is not for the faint-hearted,there were days, even weeks, when I wouldn’t make a single sale. I’d sit there, surrounded by my bottles, wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake.” she shared.
The entrepreneurial journey was a rollercoaster, a constant negotiation between hope and reality. She discovered the pitfalls of extending credit, the well-intentioned but ultimately hindering expectations of support from friends and family. I thought they know me, they’ll support me. But business is business, she said.
The year 2024 was a period of stagnation, a frustrating plateau. Thandeka knew she had a quality product, but she was struggling to reach her audience. Then, she stumbled upon the vibrant world of digital marketing.
“TikTok changed everything, suddenly, I was reaching people I never would have met otherwise. The platform became my virtual storefront, a place to showcase the magic of LaMpumalanga Fragrances.” Thandeka said.
Her videos, filled with the rich hues of her oils and the evocative language of scent, resonated with viewers. Orders began to pour in, a testament to the power of online connection.
“Financially, it’s been a lifeline, it sustained me during periods of unemployment, giving me a sense of security and purpose.” Thandeka confessed.
But LaMpumalanga Fragrances was more than just a source of income. It became a conduit for connection, a way to meet people from all walks of life.
“Every customer has a story, I’ve learned so much from them, about business, about life. They share their experiences, their insights, and it helps me grow as an entrepreneur and as a person.” Thandeka explained.
Thandeka’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, passion and perseverance can pave the way to success. From the industrial hum of Matsapha Mobeni, the fragrant notes of LaMpumalanga Fragrances are spreading, carried on the wings of digital innovation and the unwavering determination of Thandeka, our Entrepreneur of the Day.