Alex beauty enthusiast wins herself dream salon

A 39-year-old beauty enthusiast from Alexandra, Nomalanga Mhlungu, with a Diploma in Nail Technology she obtained from Camelot International School, has bagged herself a brand-spanking new salon fully equipped with products and an undisclosed cash prize thanks to the Bidvest Bank Sorbet-Preneur Competition.

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Mhlungu has been working for Sorbet for seven years, making her a qualifying Sorbet Citizen to enter the empowerment competition aimed at bridging the gap between untapped potential and accessible opportunities.

The win affirms her dedication and hard work and equips her with the resources and support she needs to establish her very own Sorbet salon.

Mhlungu will receive 50% of the capital investment required to fund her Sorbet store, enabling her to enter into a franchise agreement with Sorbet. The remaining 50% will be a business loan payable over five years and also a 12 month mentorship.

Mhlungu expressed gratitude upon winning the competition. “Winning this competition is an incredible honour and I feel overwhelmed by gratitude. The extensive support and resources provided, including the mentorship and financial assistance, empower me to realise my dream of owning a beauty salon and contributing positively to my community,” Mhlungu said.

The journey toward opening her salon is already in full swing. While an ideal location is yet to be selected, Mhlungu closely works with Sorbet and her legal team to evaluate potential stores, focusing on their performance and growth potential.

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“The selection of the location for the store will be a collaborative process. My lawyers and franchise partner will assist in identifying suitable locations based on market research and franchise guidelines,” she said.

With the competition winnings, Mhlungu plans to allocate funds to the essential beauty and grooming supplies she needs to launch a successful salon. Additionally, she received a loan that she has committed to managing responsibly over the next five years, ensuring her investment covers operational costs and employee salaries.

Mhlungu recognises the profound impact of the ongoing mentorship she will receive. “After the 12 month mentorship, I will have gained significant business knowledge and experience which will enable me to manage my franchise effectively,” she said.

Mhlungu is determined to leverage the support from her banker and network with other entrepreneurs while maintaining a close relationship with her franchise partner.

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