The Limpopo-born, but Gauteng bred Nonceba Hlengani, is a fitting example of how hard work and consistency yields positive results if you do not give up. The 27-year-old Managing Director of Zuru Skincare is currently celebrating a remarkable victory after entering a partnership with Clicks Stores to sell Zurubaby care products after 3 years of self-marketing and online merchandising. The Clicks partnership has resulted in the Zurubaby products being available at over 80 Clicks stores nationwide.

The product range includes Baby hair and body wash, baby lotion, baby bum spray, baby bum paste and baby tissue oil.

Nonceba endured skin problems throughout her teenage years. She tried many products from various stores and dermatologists hoping to find a suitable product. however, the pimples on her face, acne, and dark spots worsened up until she lost hope and that negatively affected her confidence and self-esteem.

After trying many products on the market and experiencing disappointment after disappointment, the young lady (who was only 24 years old at the time 2017-2018), Nonceba started searching for natural products to help her skin issues and restore a healthy, radiant complexion.

She started doing research and after some time, she found something that worked for her skin type and that is what led her to convince her family to venture into the beauty industry.

Her chosen career path was psychology, Nonceba wanted to help people, uplift those who have lost hope, and see results in her work, however, her parents were not fully sold to her career choice as they believed she might struggle with employment opportunities.

When her dream of being a psychologist was shut, she opted to enroll in Marketing Management with MGI and IMM Graduate Institute. That was a blessing in disguise because the skills came very much handy now that she is an aspiring businesswoman.

‘My family has been part of the journey from the beginning, and we have now established a family business called Xitsavi Health through this skincare venture. This has only been made possible through our partnership with CW Pharmaceuticals, experts who have over 20 years of experience in the industry’ says Nonceba.

Xitsavi Health partnered with CW Pharmaceuticals and established Zuru, which consists of two main ranges: Skincare for adults which treats pimples, dark spots, acne, and pigmentation, and the Baby range which accommodates infants and babies from newborn to five years old, helping maintain healthy skin as it is ideal for those with sensitive, dry skin, or skin prone to eczema.

After the successful launch of Zuru Skincare in 2018, Nonceba only sold products online and at expos. ‘Selling online has not been easy because it is a foreign concept for most local people, especially the elderly customers. It also places a limit for those without smartphones or access to the internet.  

Through consistency and the right marketing strategies, we were able to generate sales. We have so far worked with Government entities such as (GEP) and GGDA’ Nonceba adds.

Having done all the marketing and selling through social media and exhibitions since their capital was low and obtaining funding was difficult, Zuru started identifying retail shops where they could sell their goods, and after months of searching, they identified Clicks Stores as their ideal partner.

The partnership with Clicks was not a walk in the park and did not happen overnight. Zuru approached Clicks several times with no success, then only last year during lockdown did they reach consensus. To be on Clicks’ shelf space, Zurubaby had to meet their high standards and expectations.

Part of the expectation involved Zurubaby rebranding and relaunching its Baby range and that was done in September 2021. The objective was to give products a fresh new look as well as introduce the new baby tissue oil as part of the baby range.

Zurubaby was able to meet the requirements and when Clicks launched a new baby store at Mall Africa in October, Zurubaby products were among the top to be highlighted.

After a month, Zurubaby is now available in all nine provinces across the country: The Grove, Eastgate, Festival Mall, East Rand Mall, Menlyn Park, Kolonade Mall, Sandton City, Tsakane Mall, Atteridgeville Clicks, Mayfield Square, Forest Hill, Tshwane Mall, Phumulani Mall, Alex Plaza, Mall of Tembisa, Sammy mark Square, Carlton Centre, Westgate, Cresta Mall, Fourways Clicks, Protea Glen, Ayethu Mall, Cradle Stone Mall, Mall of the South and Cavendish Square.

Nonceba is inspired by testimonials from happy clients who have received positive results. ‘Customers are amazed by how Zuru products repair damaged skin and maintain healthy, glowing skin.

The value customers place on Zuru products has inspired Nonceba to work even harder and keep growing the company.

As part of its commitment to give back to disadvantaged communities, Zuru partnered with Rock of Hope Children's Home and donates R2 from every sale made on each product. In addition, they will sponsor the Potato Foundation’s Christmas drive; an organization that helps children with basic needs and school supplies.

Nonceba advises the youth to change the world using their creative ideas and focus on only one business before venturing into various other businesses. “It is my dream to see Zuru products at all retail outlets and boutiques in South Africa and become a household name” she concluded.