Nompumelelo Madubedube – The San Hair
Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year®
Nompumelelo Madubedube started The San Hair essentially to satisfy her own need for wigs, weaves and hair extensions made from human virgin hair. That she was not the only woman out there frustrated by retailers’ empty promises, is proven by the fact that a mere 10 years after starting out The San Hair has 15 salons across South Africa, employs more than 200 people and produces its premium-quality hair products in a factory in Midrand, Gauteng. Its range of haircare products is also available in Clicks stores nationwide and customers can shop online from wherever they are.
An accountant by training and working for one of the country’s big financial institutions, Nompumelelo’s entrepreneurship journey started from the boot of her car. Having sourced the hair she wanted in India, she weaved her own wigs and started selling The San Hair products on a part-time basis.
When her accountant’s training satisfied her that the books were doing more than just balancing, she resigned from her job and became a businesswoman. “My financial expertise definitely gave me the skills to navigate the complexities of business growth and management, and I could leverage it to build San Hair into a market leader,” she says.
A game-changing investment was setting up the manufacturing facility that allows The San Hair to produce all its products locally – from wefting, texturing and wig making to packaging, it all happens onsite. The only import is the virgin hair, which Nompumelelo explains, is hair that has never been processed or treated with any kind of chemicals. “The hair is in its natural state with its cuticles running in the same direction and intact. You can bleach, dye and process virgin hair just as you would your own.”
Product and manufacturing excellence is complemented by a team of professional and experienced stylists who are committed to providing top-tier customer service. With a deep knowledge of the products, from raw hair to the finished wigs, these women offer personalised advice and support to customers.
Nompumelelo’s entrepreneurial journey includes a strong social investment element. Through sustainable product practices and by sponsoring styling courses, she empowers local communities while elevating her brand. “I believe in creating opportunities for women to unlock their potential; not just for their own success but for the future they shape for all of us,” she says.