Grand Launch and Star-Studded Event Marks a New Chapter in Natural Beauty
Cape Town - December 3, 2023 - Native Child, the acclaimed natural hair and skincare brand for people of color, has added a sparkling jewel to its crown with the grand opening of its latest Hair and Beauty bar at the iconic Waterfront in Cape Town. The event, held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, was nothing short of a star-studded affair, attended by renowned figures such as actress Botlhale Boikanyo, influencer Sbahle Mpisane, content creator Crystal Mhlanga, and Big Brother Africa star Tsatsi Madiba.
"Bringing Native Child to the vibrant Waterfront is a significant milestone for us. Cape Town's cultural richness and natural beauty align perfectly with our mission to celebrate and nurture the unique beauty of every individual,” says Native Child Founder and CEO, Sonto Pooe.
Native Child Hair and Beauty bars go beyond traditional salons, offering a holistic self-care experience for both men and women. The Waterfront location promises to be a haven where individuals can escape, rejuvenate, and celebrate their natural beauty.
“This is part of growth. Growth is identifying the needs of the customer and providing a service. For years, our customers have requested us to open a hair salon in Cape Town so they can come to us to have their hair taken care of. The goal all along has been to empower women and men to do their own hair at home, but the reality is not everyone is a DIY-er. It's a service that is needed,” adds Pooe.
The move addresses the shortage of knowledgeable African hair stylists in the industry, tackling the historical prevalence of potentially damaging chemicals like relaxers. Pooe, a visionary entrepreneur, has long harbored a goal to fill this gap in the industry.
“Not many salons and stylists can handle or are trained to do natural hair. It's a goal I've had since I was a teenager. I have always been frustrated with the lack of qualified hairdressers in the industry. This is why I personally avoided salons,” says Pooe.
Native Child Hair & Beauty bars transcend the traditional salon experience, offering more than just hair care. They provide a comprehensive self-care spot, delivering a full beauty experience for both men and women.
“Who better to take care of our customers' hair than us? But we are doing more than just hair. We are giving our customers an all-inclusive beauty experience. We have created a space where anyone coming in can have their 'me time.' A space to forget about outside troubles and a place where we can take some off the load,” she says.
Over the years, Native Child has achieved significant success, earning accolades such as the coveted Pick ‘N’ Pay small supplier award and the Clicks SED Supplier of the year. Sonto Pooe's passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit have been recognized as extraordinary.
“This is recognition for the hard work, sacrifices and undying faith of a vision now realized. Being in business is not always fun and games, but this confirms to me that no one has the power to take away what God has ordained as yours. I’m insanely passionate about the work I do, and it feels amazing to be recognized for it,” she says.
Pooe has boldly navigated the competitive landscape, risking her own resources to challenge giants like L'Oréal and Revlon. Her commitment to customer satisfaction and the creation of natural, plant-based products has resonated globally, with Native Child's sales growing fivefold during lockdown.
“Our products are not only natural and plant-based but they are also functional. Our customers are our own hype squad. They see the results and spread the word; it’s very humbling to see,” Pooe remarks.
Sonto Pooe’s journey began at age 8, driven by a desire to take control of her hair care after a traumatic experience with a hairdresser. This, coupled with the frustrations of a market flooded with chemical-laden products, led to the birth of NativeChild—a reflection of her identity as a proud African woman with strong roots.
“My foundation is faith-based, so I always take a moment each morning and evening to thank God and then ask for direction. I make sure I surround myself with the right team. When partnerships don’t work, I have developed the maturity to let go. Move with those that move is my motto. I run my own race and never look at ‘competition’ or what other brands are doing. The only person I compete with is my former self. I believe in putting in the work,” she says.
As Native Child continues to redefine beauty standards, the Waterfront Cape Town Beauty Oasis represents a significant milestone, promising not only exceptional hair and body-care services but also a space for fostering a sense of belonging and natural beauty for everyone in Cape Town.
As Native Child continues to leave an indelible mark on the natural beauty industry, the star-studded launch event at Waterfront Cape Town signifies a new chapter in the brand's journey towards empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty.
