Asanda Mantshongo, a South African residing in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, proudly leads Ndonia Skincare, a venture she initiated in June 2020. Her brand, operating under the umbrella of Ndonia Books Publishing PTY LTD, is a testament to her dedication to the beauty care industry. Asanda's expertise and drive, with over a decade of business leadership experience, have been instrumental in establishing her company, which places a strong emphasis on organic, minimal ingredient skincare solutions.
Ndonia Skincare's mission is to provide effective, chemical-free skincare products that cater to common skin issues such as acne, stretch marks, pimples, cellulite, veins, and dark spots. Their vision is rooted in a commitment to 100% organic, non-toxic solutions that are gentle yet effective. Asanda's vision goes beyond skincare; she is dedicated to creating jobs, offering opportunities to young individuals, and nurturing budding entrepreneurs by enabling them to resell Ndonia's products with substantial profits. Additionally, the company provides skill development, offering valuable, lifelong training to its team.
Ndonia Skincare's core values include passion, integrity, commitment, respect, and an embrace of diversity. Their passionate pursuit of excellence and ethical practices in all facets of their work underscores their commitment to respecting and dignifying everyone they encounter. Asanda strongly believes that embracing differences and valuing diverse contributions only enhances the collective growth and knowledge of the business.
The inspiration behind Ndonia Skincare was deeply personal for Asanda. Struggling with sensitive skin that reacted negatively to many conventional skincare products, she embarked on a journey of research and experimentation. Eventually, she discovered a combination of organic oils that brought relief to her sensitive skin. As friends and acquaintances began to inquire about her newfound radiance, Asanda decided to share her skincare secrets. This initial sharing led to the launch of her flagship product, Ndonia Tissue oil, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much-needed skincare solutions when traditional channels were constrained.
Overcoming challenges in growing her business was not without hurdles. Asanda encountered a unique and culturally rooted challenge in the form of "Isichitho," a South African superstition manifesting as an acne-like condition. This condition, believed to be a spiritual attack, cast a shadow on her business and wellbeing. Initially, she tried various remedies suggested by well-wishers, but it wasn't until she decided to ignore the superstition, focus on her skincare routine, and embrace self-confidence that her skin started to clear. This experience not only marked a turning point in her business but also led to the promotion of her products as customers noticed her remarkable transformation.
Looking ahead, Asanda's long-term vision for Ndonia Skincare involves adapting her products to changing environmental conditions due to global warming. Her goal is to continue developing skincare solutions that suit evolving skin conditions and cater to a wider range of individuals.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Asanda has a simple yet profound piece of advice: Believe in the change you wish to bring, and take full responsibility for making it happen. Persevere with dedication, for no one else will achieve your dreams for you. If you can dream it, you can bring it to life.
