EAST LONDON- The Africa Eastern Cape Hair and Beauty Business Seminar brought together professionals from all over the region for a day of learning, networking and promoting industry growth on 22nd May 2025. The seminar was held at Eastern Cape Development Corporation(ECDC) Head office in East London, aimed to empower hair and beauty professionals in the Eastern Cape.The event provided cutting-edge industry insights, innovative strategies and practical solutions to challenges facing the hair and fashion sector.
Industry experts shared their knowledge and experience with aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs.
Founder and Director of Braided Queens Beauty Bar Thandiswa Magqeleba, emphasized the importance of focus in a competitive business environment, “Concentrate on one thing at a time and never lose focus,” she advised.
Founder of Jabu Stone hair products Mr. Jabu Stone encouraged salons to apply the AIDA formula to structure their businesses effectively. AIDA stands for Attention (attracting clients with new products), Interest (informing clients about new styles), Desire (creating a corporate identity and industry image), and Action (persuading people to use their services).
Furthermore a salon owner Asanda Kumbi from Mdantsane expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to expand her knowledge, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity of getting information that I did not know about from Successful business owners like Jabu Stones I would like to thank mostly sis Lwandy and partners for this seminar,” she said.
In addition the seminar highlighted challenges faced by informal business salons, such as losing clients due to poor communication with staff members and equipment shortages.
Manager at National Bargaining Council Johan Steyn, National Manager of Legal and Compliance, noted that many businesses in the Eastern Cape lack knowledge on how to run a business and are not registered.
The founder of Estudio Glam Lwandy Ngebe, introduced the purpose of the organisation, which includes hosting the Africa Eastern Cape Hair and Beauty Seminar.Ngebe emphasized that, “We want to Transform Industry through Estudio Glam, in collaboration with key stakeholders in private and public sector.”
The seminar’s key objectives included; Equipping stylists with industry insights and practical solutions- Promoting industry growth and job creation for unemployed youth- Enhancing skills development and training- Fostering collaboration and partnershipsThe attendees received one-on-one business coaching sessions from industry experts, stakeholders, and government representatives who shared knowledge, experiences, and best practices to run their own businesses and generate income.
“Together, we will unlock the sector’s potential and contribute to local economic growth,” Ngebe added.
The atmosphere was electric, with professionals from all walks of life coming together to learn, grow and connect. As the seminar came to a close, attendees left feeling inspired and motivated.
They had gained valuable insights, made new connections, and were eager to apply their newfound knowledge to their businesses.
The Africa Eastern Cape Hair and Beauty Business Seminar had been a resounding success.
Photograph: ECDC/Supplied
