BY NELILE NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE– A young entrepreneur in the beauty industry, Lindelwa Dube is steadily transforming her business after receiving a grant of E5 000 from the Eswatini National Youth Council. A journey she says has strengthened both her business operations and confidence as a young businesswoman.
“I was inspired to apply because I wanted to grow my business and become financially independent. As a young entrepreneur, I saw the grant as an opportunity to improve my business and create a better future for myself,” she said. Her determination to become self-reliant pushed her to seek opportunities that would help elevate her business to a professional level.
Lindelwa explained that she first discovered the opportunity through social media platforforms “I first heard about the opportunity through social media and other young people who encouraged youth to apply for the programme,” she said. She noted that access to information through digital platforms continues to play an important role in helping young people identify opportunities that can improve their lives.
She is currently running a beauty business that offers hair, nails and makeup services, she said the journey has not always been easy. Before receiving the funding, she struggled with limited capital, which made it difficult to buy quality equipment and fully satisfy customer demand.
She explained that the grant became a turning point for the business, allowing her to purchase salon equipment, beauty products and other essentials that improved both the quality of her work and the appearance of the business itself.
“The grant helped me buy equipment, products, and other important materials needed to improve my services. It also helped me become more professional and attract more customers,” she said. She added that the improvements have strengthened customer confidence and contributed to the steady growth of the business.
Lindelwa said the support she received has positively changed both her business and personal outlook. “Since receiving the support, I have seen growth in my business and more confidence in myself as an entrepreneur. I have also gained more customers and improved my income,” she said.
I would encourage young people to believe in themselves and never be afraid to apply. Opportunities like these can truly change lives, but you must also stay committed and work hard, she said. She described youth empowerment funding as essential in helping young people create sustainable livelihoods instead of relying solely on formal employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, she said her vision is to continue expanding the business into a recognised beauty brand with a larger workspace capable of employing and empowering more young people in the future.” In the next five years, I see my business becoming a well known beauty brand with a larger space, more services, and the ability to employ and empower more young people,” she said. She added that her business has already started creating opportunities for collaboration and temporary work for other young people within the beauty industry.
Lindelwa also expressed appreciation to Eswatini national youth council for investing in young entrepreneurs and giving youth hope through empowerment programmes that support business growth and self-employment.
“I would like to thank the Eswatini National Youth Council for supporting young entrepreneurs and giving youth hope through empowerment programmes. Their support is helping many young people build better futures,” she said.
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(Courtesy Pics)
