Nurturing Skin Naturally: Zoe Kgasa

Welcome to our blog post, where we are excited to introduce you to Zoe Kgasa, a natural skincare business owner from Kanye, Botswana. Zoe attended our Body Scrubs Class in October 2022, which was conducted by Baobab Swirls, a natural skincare company based in Lusaka, Zambia. At Baobab Swirls, we are committed to making high-quality, all-natural soaps and skin care products by hand, and we believe in the power of nature to heal, nourish, and rejuvenate. Our mission is to empower others to start their own businesses and create products that reflect this belief. We are thrilled to share Zoe's story with you and how she has taken the knowledge and skills gained from our class to create her own natural skincare business in Kanye, Botswana.

How did you first become interested in making natural skincare products?

Natural skincare was introduced to me by my big sister, Ms Neo Seate of Senela Farm back in 2018(as a way to empower someone she knew as I was just diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and went on a wheelchair, who made lip balms from beeswax at her farm and gave them to me to sell for medical assistance. We then went on to make body butter. 

What was the most challenging part of learning how to make natural skincare, and how did you overcome it?

The challenging part was that I was new to natural products, but I was unfortunate enough to experience dry skin and have tenia versicolor due to Rheumatoid Arthritis medication (the condition I'm battling at the moment) which suppressed my immune system and affected my skin then. Treatment provided then didn't help, natural products were the only solution that could help my skin not burn as compared to the treatment they gave me.

How did you decide to start your own business, and what were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning?

We were invited for Financial Training in Enterpreneurship by the Business Clinic at University of Botswana where I learnt more about enterprenuship and even got more interested in making this a business not just for medical assistance. 

How did you develop your product line, and what inspired your choice of ingredients?

I developed my natural cosmetics product line by focusing on the needs of my customers. I did a lot of research on the natural ingredients available in the market, and the best ways to use them to create effective products. I also worked with trusted suppliers to source the most natural and sustainable ingredients, and created formulas that are not only good for skin, but also eco friendly.

I looked more into ingredients that keep a healthy, smooth skin and also work for people with dry skin as these ingredients have worked for me too

How do you market your business, and what has been your most effective marketing strategy so far?

I use social media to market my business, it has been my go to area. 

What advice do you have for someone who is just starting a business in the skincare industry?

I would advise anyone just starting a skincare business to do more research, be sure about their product and stay consistent, they will definitely get there.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own business?

The best reward aspect of starting my own skincare business is that I was able to interact online with people like Rosalina of Baobab Swirls, who always inspires me to keep going and keeps sharing necessary information with me.

How do you balance running a business with other aspects of your life, such as school or family obligations?

I balance running my business and other aspects of my life by always having a To Do list. I make a plan and ensure I stick to it.

What are your plans for the future of your business?

My plan for business is to be consistent, formulate the best natural products.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering learning how to make natural soap, skincare products, body scrubs as a hobby or a potential business venture?

I will definitely advice anyone willing to learn how to make natural soaps, skincare products, body scrub to just go for it! Do it! Don't wait until it's too late. Just do it now! It's worth it.

Zoe's Products are Available in Botswana in Gaborone, Pitsane and Kanye. Contact Zoe's Natural Body Shop Here.

If you would like to learn more about our natural skincare skills training visit our website to find out what's on offer.You just might be like Zoe before the end of this year.