It is business as usual when Busisiwe Mdletshe steps into the TRUELOVE office in Media Park. Her maroon braids are tucked to the back in a stylish manner that lights up her face, and she is glistening. The founder of BtmtCapital, who was lauded as the LEAD SA Smart Business Woman in 2016, has spent some time at Passions Hair Salon in Fourways.
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Why a hair salon?
“I opened my hair salon to create jobs for young, skilled people who can work with their hands and style hair, to assist with economic growth on a smaller scale. I wanted to assist with the resources I had; the primary aim was to help eradicate unemployment. I don’t take anything from the salon. We provide quality services to our clients, and all the money goes to the employees,” Mdletshe says.
According to Mdletshe, she has always had a passion for beautiful hair, but has struggled to find the right stylist for her natural hair. Now, having stylists that are easily accessible is one the perks she enjoys from her establishment. “People get shocked when they come to my salon and discover that the owner is an accountant. I don’t know anything about hair [chuckles].”
Go-to hairstyle is …
The CEO often keeps her hair in its natural state no matter the occasion. She says it makes her feel like she is glowing, and people can learn a lot about a person from the way they maintain their hair. “The only reason I have braids now, is because load-shedding kicked in as I was doing my hair yesterday, so the only thing they could do was to braid it,” she explains. “I just love natural hair, and always try to convince my clients to go natural when they come to the salon [chuckles],” Mdletshe adds.
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A multifaced queen
Apart from accounting and hair, the 40-year-old spends her time exercising, trail running and kickboxing. “I can throw a punch or two when I need to, so people must watch out [chuckles]”, she says jokingly. Mdletshe will also be celebrating the “pivotal power age” of 40 this year, and plans on spending her time with her family and close friends.