MANZINI- What began as a post–high school skill has blossomed into a full-time beauty career for 26-year-old Sakhile Ngwenya, now one of Manzini’s dedicated nail technicians. With passion at the heart of her brand, she is steadily building a name for herself in the competitive beauty industry.
Based at Exquisite Hair Studio, located at the Nando’s Drive-Thru Complex in Manzini, Sakhile Ngwenya has transformed her love for nail artistry into a growing enterprise known as Nails by Sakhile. From humble beginnings in Bhunya to establishing herself in the bustling city of Manzini, Ngwenya’s journey is one marked by determination, patience, and a genuine love for her craft.
In an interview, she shares her journey, challenges, and advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.
Q&A with Sakhile Ngwenya
Independent News: Who is Sakhile Ngwenya, and how did your journey as a nail technician begin?
Sakhile: I am a 26-year-old nail technician based in Manzini at Exquisite Hair Studio, located at the Nando’s Drive-Thru Complex. My journey began shortly after I finished high school. I enrolled at Thandekile Nail Care, where I trained and graduated as a professional nail technician.
Independent News: What inspired you to pursue nail technology as a full-time career?
Sakhile: After completing my training, I started doing nails in Bhunya. That’s when I realised I truly loved what I was doing. As my client base grew, I saw the potential for it to become my main source of income. That motivated me to move to Manzini and pursue it full-time.
Independent News: Did you receive formal training, or are you self-taught?
Sakhile: I received formal training and graduated from Thandekile Nail Care, which gave me a strong foundation in professional nail services.
Independent News: At what point did you realise this could become your main source of income?
Sakhile: When I started gaining regular clients in Bhunya and earning consistently from my work, I realised this was more than just a side hustle. That’s when I decided to fully commit to it as my career.
Independent News: How would you describe your brand and the type of services you offer?
Sakhile: Nails by Sakhile offers a wide range of services including gel and acrylic manicures and pedicures, rubber base on natural nails, buff and shine treatments, foot scrubs, and cluster lashes. My brand focuses on quality, neatness, and customer satisfaction.
Independent News:: What sets you apart from other nail technicians?
Sakhile: What sets me apart is my genuine love for doing nails. I don’t just see it as work; it’s something I truly enjoy. I also prioritise excellent customer service because I believe how you treat clients determines whether your business grows or declines.
Independent News: How do you attract and retain clients?
Sakhile: I strongly believe in the power of word of mouth. A satisfied client will always recommend you. That’s why I make sure every client receives the best service possible so they keep coming back and refer others.
Independent News: What challenges have you faced in running your nail business?
Sakhile: One of the biggest challenges was finding the right location. Customers have different preferences, and choosing a place that suits most of them was not easy. Another challenge was attracting clients when I first started. Building trust and visibility takes time.
Independent News: Has social media played a role in growing your business?
Sakhile: Yes, social media has played a huge role. People are always on their phones, so posting my work gives me visibility and helps me reach potential clients. It has helped me grow my customer base significantly.
Independent News: What advice would you give to young people who want to enter the beauty industry?
Sakhile: Before choosing this profession, make sure you truly love it. Passion is important because challenges will come, and if you don’t love what you do, it’s easy to give up.
Sakhile continues to grow her brand and connect with clients through social media platforms including Instagram (@nailsbysakhile66), TikTok (@Msakhi69), and Facebook (Sakhile Ngwenya).
With passion as her polish and dedication as her top coat, Sakhile Ngwenya is proving that loving what you do is the ultimate key to success.
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