I am Makgotso Ntai, a 23 year old Founder of YouMe an organic hair and skin care brand and Financial Accounting graduate who is slowly, but surely working towards being a CA. I enjoy working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in philanthropy, especially helping woman and children.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement has to be becoming a certified Financial Accountant, overcoming the most depressing phase of my life and the birth of YouMe.
When are you happiest?
When I am with my family and friends or at the beach watching the waves, there is something beautiful about staring at something less chaotic in the midst of our lives.
How did You Me come to be?
The lack of good Natural hair products in the market brought about a huge frustration. Companies that knew nothing about natural hair sold products that only catered for processed or white hair. Their products are filled with Parabens that did nothing to nurture natural hair, so I decided to create a 100% organic formula for myself and I was surprised at how fast my natural hair grew and this brought attention to my hair with people requesting my secret and that’s how YouMe came about.
What do you hope people will take away from using your services?
The customer service and the Quality of our products. Our products are made with nothing but love and goodness and I hope that is projected through our services.
What makes your products unique?
Our products are 100% organic with no added chemicals that will irritate or ruin your strands. Our aim is to repair and grow your hair and maintain the glow and youthfulness of your skin. Our products are tested on people and not dogs or lab rats.
What have been the highs and lows of creating your brand?
As a student, it has been hard being a business owner. There’s no time to invest in the business or yourself, financial constraints because there are no investors or sponsors, the money is coming out of your pocket. The pressure to please every customer, not getting support from family and friends. Lol my parents don’t know I own a beauty brand, but I want the brand to speak and stand for itself. The highs have been the progress and growth, I didn’t think YouMe would be so well received, it has surpassed my expectations. The variety of business opportunities we have received and hopefully we will collaborate with other female business owners and expand internationally.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
Independence. Entrepreneurship has introduced me to a new version of myself. Nothing but sweat, blood and tears. It is very rewarding to see your long-time dream grow into a household brand.
Describe a typical day in your life.
Waking up, praying, checking emails and social media, studying, attending family meetings/gatherings or church, working out, handling business, cooking, scrolling through YouTube and taking Naps. Nothing hectic.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Nothing is permanent, not even life itself. Make mistakes and learn from them. Failure is not your enemy, it’s your friend. Fall, but get up and dust yourself off and try again.
What song would you say is the soundtrack to your life?
The soundtrack of my life would be Notorious B.I.G – Sky’s the limit.
Where can people buy your products?
I am currently working on a pop-up store but for now we are mobile, so people can contact us on WhatsApp 0670027789 for all the orders. We are currently based in Johannesburg, but we courier to any location.
Who inspires you the most in life?
A few people inspire me. My late grandmother, I aspire to be the kind of woman that she was, she oozed of humbleness, resilience and love. She was an epitome of an amazing woman. She was everything. My grandfather who is headstrong and business minded. My parents who provided me with everything I needed regardless of the situation.
If you could give up anything for a year what would it be and why?
I would give up social media. Being in constant communication with strangers and letting people into my life has impacted my mental health in an unhealthy way.
What is your favourite thing about being South African?
The culture and diversity. The undying spirit of Ubuntu, the food and beautiful locations, what’s not to love.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a giver, lover and a believer. In addition, I would like to be remembered as a person who is passionate, determined, free spirited and has other people’s interest at heart
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Ideas will fail, you will lose money and you will feel like giving up sometimes but that’s part of the process that will mould you into being a successful entrepreneur. Nothing good comes easy. Reinvent yourself with every fall and don’t give in something you believe in. Pray and prepare for what you asked for
What are your social media handles/website links?
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/makgotso.ntai/
https://www.instagram.com/youme_za/
Facebook: @Makgotsontai
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/makgotso_ntai?s=09
Website:
http://youmecosmetics.simplesite.com/
Email: ntaimakgotso@gmail.com
Lovely Interview.Quite empowering & Informative.I love your spirit Makgotso.Keep up with the attitude and the world will surely open up to you with it’s endless opportunities.