How It Started

Lesedi's Story

I started Studentglam with the inspiration I gained from someone I met. This individual is running a company and offered me valuable advice and ideas to start my own business. I got inspired, and without wasting any time, I decided to pursue this opportunity.

When I first entered university, I hadn't planned on running a business. However, my friend knew that I had a skill in hair braiding, which she heard through our conversations. Her roommate requested that I braid her hair, as I was relying solely on NSFAS for financial support, and it wasn't sufficient to cover my monthly expenses. Dealing with the financial stress brought about by NSFAS was challenging, and I'm sure many students can relate to this. My parents were also not working, so I couldn't turn to them for financial assistance when I ran out of money.

As my friend's roommate witnessed the quality of my work, she began referring others to me. I was initially quite shy, and during the lockdown, I struggled with mental health issues. These challenges led me to request a single room, which allowed me to focus on improving my mental well-being. During this time, I contemplated what was affecting my mental health and how I could address those issues.

I realized that taking on a few clients significantly reduced my financial stress. Engaging with peers and sharing our experiences provided motivation and improved my communication skills, including my English proficiency. Overcoming my fear of communicating with people from different language backgrounds, particularly those from the Nguni tribe (Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Ndebele), allowed me to connect with a diverse range of students.

Braiding hair led me to be more engaged with fellow students, form connections, and seek assistance. This not only improved my financial situation but also allowed me to offer reasonable prices for student clients, benefiting both them and me.

As more students became aware of my work, my client base expanded, and I was often overwhelmed while trying to balance my academics. I am pursuing a demanding course in Mathematical Statistics. When I stopped taking clients, I lost the motivation I had for studying. Balancing both responsibilities proved to be too much for me, so I asked my study buddies to help me with clients and taught them the necessary skills.

This experience led to the idea of expanding my business. I realized how beneficial it was for me and how it helped me overcome my challenges. I didn't study to run a business, but I learned through critical thinking and seeking advice from others. I became more responsible and enjoyed sharing my knowledge with other students, motivating them, and feeling more alive in the process.

I expanded my team by bringing in more students, teaching them skills, and considering their busy academic schedules. When they eventually decided to run their businesses independently, I felt both pride and concern for my own clients, as my business was thriving.

I recognized the importance of helping students become entrepreneurs to alleviate the struggles I once faced. Now, as I run a busy business, I can't afford to keep students in my business. The beauty of Studentglam is that I encourage everyone to find their own solutions and let them be themselves. Sometimes, I assist, and other times, I learn from them.

I found that braiding hair is a form of problem-solving in itself. I enjoyed dealing with the challenges that came my way, from managing different hair textures to adapting to clients' needs. The variety of challenges made me happy, and I realized that every hairstylist has their unique approach to solving them.

Braiding hair became a weekly habit, and when I skipped a week without taking any clients, I struggled. It provided me with the motivation I needed to stay determined and focused on my studies. The business I run is driven by my passion and determination to find solutions to challenges.

I've found solutions to some of the problems students face and decided to inspire more students to discover their potential, interests, and skills. Being part of Studentglam doesn't come at a cost; it's about helping students financially, guiding them, and letting them find their own paths.

Much of what I've learned in my business came from the knowledge I gained in school, particularly in areas like financial management and economics. These subjects may seem abstract, but I discovered their practical applications in real life, making them invaluable. My love for mathematics also contributed to my problem-solving skills and expanded my mind.

My name is Lesedi Seakamela, and I am an entrepreneur, a doer, empathetic, a workaholic, a learner, a problem solver, and a mother. It took me some time to realize all these facets of myself, and I am continuously learning about who I am. Now I ask, who are you?