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Jesé-ChéLillienfeldtPHOTOGRAPHY:Supplied by Precious Sikhonde,brain ZASTILLS PHOTOGRAPHY:Gallo Images/Getty ImagesPAN-AFRICAN BEAUTY
featuring Precious Sikhonde
Precious Sikhonde is the owner
and founder of The Stain Bar,
a hair and nail salon in Soweto
that gives women a sense of
self-worth and self-confi dence.What inspired your idea?
I’ve always been passionate
about the beauty industry.
More importantly, I want to
build an empire that leaves
a lasting legacy. I opened
my fi rst store in Soweto,
where I grew up, as a way of
giving back to young people
in my community.How did you start out?
In 2010, I owned my own
Sorbet salon as a franchiseeand studied fi nance. I learnt
a lot, but I always felt like
I was working for someone
else. That’s why I decided to
launch The Stain Bar.What are your customers’
most pressing needs?
We’ve discovered that
most of our clients don’t
use aftercare products
for their hair or nails, and
aren’t aware of the benefi ts
of treating their hairregularly. O ering these
products to women has
been our winning strategy.What are your top-
selling services?
Artifi cial nail tips with
acrylic and nail art, and
fade cuts for hair.What are your goals
for The Stain Bar?
We’ve opened our second
branch and would like to
start a franchise.What’s your personal
beauty mantra?
Not a week should go by
without a self-care routine,
whether that means doing
your hair, nails, makeup or
a facial – anything that will
give you an instant pick-
me-up.What inspires you
to be successful?
There are a few reasons
why providing employment
opportunities for my localcommunity is important
to me. If someone starts
working at my salon who
comes from a similar
background to me and
has no prior experience,
it inspires me to see
them progress to more
challenging roles such
as mentoring others.
My clients’ happiness is
another motivator.What’s next for
your business?
We make our own hand
lotions and foot scrubs,
using organic herbs and
lotions. Our clients are
always asking about them,
but we haven’t got round to
selling them yet.For more information, email
[email protected]