Entrepreneur reaching out to less fortunate matrics

With little to no resources at her disposal, Tamy Philemon still managed to start an organisation that was once just a vision. Today, she is making a difference in her community, one less fortunate girl at a time.

Tamy explained that BlackBeautyBeats is aimed at helping underprivileged matriculants attend their matric farewell dance. They supply the matrics outfits and shoes, do their hair, make-up, nails and even take care of transport.

“I can just imagine how it feels to not even have the basics to go to your matric dance after 12 years of hard work. Dressing up and looking beautiful on the day of your dance should be the least of your worries considering exams are at the back of each matriculant’s mind,” Tamy said.

Her journey with beauty began at a very young age.

“I changed my hairstyles every week for school but never thought I had a passion for it.” Sadly, her mother passed away in her final school year and Tamy was unable to further her studies due to a lack of funds. So she started working instead.

“In 2018, I decided it was time to be a little selfish and invest in myself. The make-up industry was exciting at that time and I remember how I was blown away by the fact that you can draw brows! I decided to book for one-on-one lessons before I registered at an academy. I fell in love with make-up right away.”

After completing a short course, she graduated as a certified make-up artist.

“I remember when my sister was my only client but I never gave up. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and practised different looks on myself. One thing I’ll never forget is what a friend told me which was ‘to work with what I have’ and my whole life changed. I posted my work all over social media and started getting clients. I’m also proud to announce that I am a full-time business owner doing what I love.”

Tamy and her friends have since assisted three girls.

“There are a lot of people in our community that are struggling and society has normalised matric dances as a big event now, from red carpets to deco setups, food platters, and cakes.”

But the community’s help to continue is needed. “If we can get more small businesses to sponsor us, we will be able to reach more girls.”

Her message to young women is, “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart. Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”

• Details: Contact Tamy via email at tamyphilemon81@gmail.com or on 078 066 9179 or on Facebook and Instagram as blackbeautybeats.