By: Mo Senne (Senior Communications Officer)
In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial savvy, Rhodes University Journalism & Media Studies student Asenathi Ngqobe funded her flourishing livestock farm using the profits she earned from her popular Makhanda-based braiding salon, Braids by SESE. This strategic and innovative approach has established her as a powerful force in the beauty industry and rural agriculture. While excelling academically in journalism and drama, Ngqobe has built a thriving business, proving that a modern leader can bridge two seemingly disparate worlds. Her story is a testament to the idea that with passion and purpose, a student can build a successful brand and become a catalyst for change.
The foundation of Asenathi’s entrepreneurship is Braids by SESE, a thriving beauty business born from her sharp business acumen and a deep understanding of her community’s needs. A video interview provides a glimpse into the salon’s warm and inviting atmosphere, with its vibrant pink walls and a lush green feature wall as a visual symbol of growth and creativity. Asenathi's business model was born out of a desire to address a critical pain point for her peers. As she explained in the interview, "I understand how expensive it is to get your hair done," noting that a simple braiding service could cost over R700 in the area. Her solution was a student-focused business that offers high-quality services like braiding, makeup, and lashes at a fraction of the market price. This commitment to accessibility quickly made Braids by SESE a trusted name, empowering students and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access self-care and boost their confidence without financial strain. Beyond her salon’s services, Asenathi’s commitment to empowerment shines through in the part-time jobs she has created for local youth and her initiative to teach braiding classes, imparting valuable skills that can help her peers build their entrepreneurial journeys.
However, the true genius of Asenathi’s story lies in how she leveraged the success of her beauty business to fund her next bold move. The profits she meticulously saved from Braids by SESE and other small side hustles became the seed money for an entirely different venture: a livestock farming enterprise. Asenathi, who hails from the North West, returned to her family’s roots to cultivate her second business. At the Kwa Leah Country Estate, she manages half of their land, raising various animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. This strategic diversification, launched in 2022, demonstrates a forward-thinking and financial discipline rare in young entrepreneurs. She consciously used her success in one sector to invest in another, proving that a single passion can lead to many opportunities.
Navigating the demands of a double degree while managing two businesses separated by hundreds of kilometres is no small feat. Yet, Asenathi approaches both with unwavering dedication. She travels back to the farm every two weeks to oversee operations, ensure livestock welfare, and meticulously calculate her profits and losses—a testament to her hands-on approach and commitment to sustainable growth. Her journey is supported by her single mother, whose belief in her daughter’s goals provides a crucial foundation for her ambition. Asenathi’s willingness to learn from experienced farmers and relentless pursuit of knowledge underscore her determination to turn her small-scale operation into a thriving, long-term enterprise.
For Asenathi, being a boss is defined by more than just a healthy bottom line. In her words, "Being a boss is not about how much money you make, but about making a social impact and changing people’s lives." This powerful philosophy is the common thread that runs through her every endeavour. Whether making beauty accessible, creating jobs in her community, or building a business that contributes to food security, she is a leader who uses her talents and hard work to serve others. Her story is a compelling blueprint for how young people can achieve their goals and become powerful forces for positive change. Asenathi Ngqobe is a role model who embodies resilience, innovation, and a purpose-driven spirit, proving that one can build a legacy from the classroom to the countryside with enough vision and grit.
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