Working her way up from selling Vetkoeks in Alexandra Township to being one successful beauty mogul, Mantsaye Ngwaila shares how it’s possible.

Mantsaye was born in a middle class family in Alexandra Township Johannesburg.
Growing up in the family that was not really well off made her independent from a really young age.

“My mother used to make clothes for a leaving, she was a dressmaker as they were referred to in the past. When I wanted to follow her footsteps, she was not for the idea of me becoming a fashion designer, mainly because in those days, fashion designing was not as trendy as it is of late. And as a black child growing in an impoverished place like Alex, it was pivotal to secure qualifications such as teaching, law, all of those dignified positions BUT a fashion designer. So as a result I started selling dresses and vetkoeks at really young age during my school days”

Mantsaye she holds a degree in Economics and Political Science, BA Honours degree in International Relations, Certificate in Foreign Service (Diplomatic) and a Certificate from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Academy in Quantico, USA.
“Moving from one career to another, taught me that to be in business, you just don’t start a business but you must be a problem solver.”

She took a leap of faith that would see her becoming a rising star in the business world. “If you’ve seen what the end result of your business initiative is, you will have no problem getting up in the morning to chase your dreams, says Mantsaye who sees her company becoming as big as brands such as Avon.

The 41-year- old founder of Repang Soapz Saltz n Oilz, her company manufactures skin care products using Glycerine base, infused with the herbal fragrances of Lavender, Avocado and Cucumber, Rooibos, chamomile, Tea tree, Ylang Ylang, the list is endless, all of which have healing properties and are suitable for all skin types.

I discovered the power of this ingredient when my daughter’s skin reacted harshly to normal soaps I was using on her, this brought my passion into an aromatherapy, i managed to find a cure for my daughter’s skin condition to date.

Mantsaye tried the soap she created and was amazed with the results.
“Saw a major difference in the improvement of her skin,” she says. That’s when she spotted a business opportunity.
“I then did more research on ingredients and found that they’re rich in natural fatty acids which hydrate your skin,” she says.
“I started selling the products, people they loved them and kept coming back,” she adds.
Mantsaye still have the tough task of convincing big retailers to stock her products. “I approached retailers such as Spar in Phalaborwa and Spar Polokwane, which are willing to buy and list my product,” she says.
“We started supplying Herbal Shop known as (FEEL HEALTHY) in Balfour Park Johannesburg and the product is doing very well,” she gushes proudly. “We also supply lodges, guest houses with small amenities like small soaps, shower gels and Shampoos.” she adds.

The ambitious businesswoman still has big plans for her brand.