#WIB – Q&A With Bafedile Mokoena, Placecol Skin Care Clinic Franchise Owner
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. I am a Franchise owner of Placecol Skin Care Clinic in Kyalami Corner. We offer a wide variety of skin care and body treatment services as well as retail products. The salon offers both males and females with the Placecol Signature skin care treatments, body massages, hair removal services and nail stations for manicures and pedicures. The salon offers retail skin care solution for clients to maintain their skin between treatments. The retail solutions offering is based on the approved suppliers who have been researched by the iBloom group.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I had been working in management in a male dominated industry for over 6 years, where I would find myself being the only female in many meetings I attended. I developed a dream to work in an environment where there are women who are decision makers and make a difference in women’s lives.
Pre-COVID19, I began researching beauty salon franchises to understand the model. May 2021, I approached some Franchisors and started working on the business plan to acquire funding. When I was unsuccessful, I left the process and continued working.
In August 2021, my now previous employer offered severance packages, this was an opportunity for me to fund the franchise myself. While I was researching for opportunities, I found the business for sale in Instagram. I made contact with the Franchisor and followed the process to get approval as a Franchisee. Once I was approved, the Franchisor provided the draft contract agreements and the management accounts of the Franchise. I reached out to my friend who was a contracts lawyer to review the agreements and also my auditor friend to assist with the due diligence.
Though the numbers were not exciting, and the business was not in profit making position, we all agreed it was worth the risk. That I had a lot to offer the business to increase the revenue and be in a profitable position.
I registered my business, Botho Lehakoe Holdings in November 2021, purchased the store and officially took over the business on 16 December 2021.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I literally run the business, the day to day running, the invoicing and payments, salaries, the marketing and relationship management. Thankfully, I have 4 lovely, qualified ladies who service our clients.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I have BA Marketing Communications degree from the University of Johannesburg and currently finishing off my BCom Marketing and Management Science with IMM Graduate School.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. My business is self-funded using my severance package and my pension fund to raise the capital required.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I start my day by dropping off my 6-year-old going on 15 at school. I try to be the first one at the store, I check how the bookings for the day look. I’ll have a discussion with the store manager on the performance of the day before and any matters that need to be addressed, such as new orders, invoices or client complaints.
I make time for gym during the day, return to the store and attend to any needs required. I will be in the store until we close, and it’s repeat the following day.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. I am yet to learn to balance the two, however, my spiritual well-being takes priority. I’m married with two children, a 6 year old girl and a 2 year old son. I accept help wherever and whenever it is available. I have learnt that being a super woman is a fallacy, so I allow myself to be vulnerable. Gym allows me at least an hour of “me time” daily. I have recently hired a receptionist for the store, which allows me to have some free time to attend my daughters extra mural activities.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. I’m am driven by my relationship with my daughter, I want to raise her to know that she is unlimited in her dreams and that she is part of a community that is enabling. I am passionate about building relationships and being impactful.
I am inspired by women who still manage to get up daily even though they have every reason to give up. They are testament that I too should never give up.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I get my best ideas when interacting and connecting with others, I like to draw from others just as I pour out to others. I am also an advent reader, and I get plenty of direction from the books I read.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. Our number one marketing tool is referrals, we ensure you have the best experience in our store, that you will rebook and revisit us again. Networking is key in a service environment, mall activations and we use our social media packages.
11. What is next for your business?
A. The goal for this business is to grow its revenue by 50%, for the Kyalami Corner branch to be in the top ten salons of the iBloom group. Secondly, is for Botho Lehakoe Holdings to open a second location.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Take that leap of faith and take the first step. It’s a risk , yes, but you will be betting on yourself. Be authentic in your offering and be knowledgeable. We need more women who can uplift other women for the betterment of our society.
Short Bio:
I am Bafedile Mokoena, Placecol Skin Care Clinic Franchise Owner at the Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre. I am a wife, a mother of two children, daughter is 6 years old and my son is 2 years old. I am the last of seven children raised in a loving home with both my parents whom I contribute to their living expenses.
With my BA degree, I have gained 14 years’ experience in the Marketing and Sales environment working for large corporate companies, of which 7 years is at the Management level. I am passionate about working and uplifting black females.
Empowered Women, Empower Women.
Contact Details:
Placecol Kyalami Corner Contact numbers:
Telephone: 011 468 1030
WhatsApp: 065 913 5328
Social Media:
Instagram – placecol_kyalami
Facebook – Placecol Kyalami
Email – kyalami@placecol.com