BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE – For many, university life is defined by the relentless cycle of lectures, assignments, and examinations.
Yet, for Nomfundo Ngwenya, a Public Relations student at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the academic experience serves as a foundational platform for building a burgeoning enterprise—one braid at a time.
Originally from Luve, Ngwenya has seamlessly integrated her small-town determination into the competitive landscape of campus life and entrepreneurship. By balancing the rigours of her studies with the demands of a growing hair-styling business, she has transformed a modest side hustle into a professional venture that attracts a diverse clientele both within and beyond the university gates.
“I have always loved doing hair,” Ngwenya shared. “At first, it was merely braiding friends, but the demand grew organically as word spread, and that is how the business truly took shape.”
As a student of Public Relations, Ngwenya possesses a nuanced understanding of the vital relationship between visibility and reputation. Leveraging digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, she has established a robust online presence. Her digital strategy—utilising WhatsApp statuses as a professional billboard and Facebook as a tool for broader market penetration—demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of modern marketing.
“I treat my braiding as a brand,” she explained. “The presentation of my work online is paramount. High-quality imagery and positive client testimonials are essential drivers for attracting new customers.”
What distinguishes Ngwenya from many of her peers is her ability to synthesise academic theory with practical business application. Her PR studies, which emphasise strategic communication, branding, and audience engagement, are evident in the professional manner in which she manages client inquiries and ensures high levels of service delivery. By maintaining consistent professionalism, she has cultivated a reputation for reliability and quality, underscored by the power of word-of-mouth advocacy.
Clients on campus frequently commend her meticulous approach to her craft. “She is patient and incredibly neat,” one regular patron remarked. “Because she is consistent in showcasing her work online, one always knows exactly what to expect.”
Despite the pressures of her academic schedule, Ngwenya maintains a disciplined time-management routine, ensuring that appointments are confined to periods outside of lectures or weekends. She views her entrepreneurial pursuit not as a distraction, but as a critical stepping stone towards future financial independence.
Beyond the supplemental income, the venture has provided Ngwenya with invaluable lessons in customer service, financial planning, and discipline—skills that directly complement her academic pursuits.
“I do not view this simply as doing hair,” she added. “I view it as building a foundation for my future.”
As she continues to expand her clientele through strategic social media engagement and referrals, the Luve-born entrepreneur is proving that sustainable business ventures can originate from the most modest of beginnings. Through a combination of creativity and communication prowess, Nomfundo Ngwenya is successfully weaving together her passion and her profession, one strand at a time. Customers looking to book an appointment or enquire about her services can reach out to her via her social media handles under the name Nomfundo Ngwenya.
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