Portia Mngomezulu is an example of the greatness which can be achieved through hard work and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. The wife, mother and founder of Portia M Skin Solutions is relentless when it comes to her goals, and she definitely means business.

“I believe in the greatness that Africans have to revolutionize the way things are done in our country economically, and that’s what I’ve been doing through the skincare brand I’ve created,” she shared.

Entrepreneurship – a generational path

Raised in Limpopo by her maternal grandmother, seeds of entrepreneurship were planted in her life from an early age.

“My grandmother owned a shop and I would see her day-to-day runnings of the business. I would watch her place money in banking bags and I could see the joy on her face after a long day of hard work. Through her, I was able to see that when you work hard, there’s definitely a reward at the end of the day.”

Although Mngomezulu studied Information Technology, she has always been passionate about all things beauty and skincare, “Amongst my friends, I’m the one who would discover new skincare trends. One day I created a mask using avocado and mayonnaise. It made my skin glow and I shared that with my friends.”

After the birth of her child, Mngomezulu found inspiration to start her skincare business. This was after she was told about the healing properties of Marula Oil and advised to try it on her stretch marks.

In seeing the results of the oil on her skin, she decided she would the oil in cosmetic products. And so with just one cosmetics product, Portia M was started in 2011. Today, the brand has 40 facial and body skincare products that are sold at over 2000 retail stores.

Throughout the years, her journey of entrepreneurship has been far from easy. However, it has been rewarding in a number of ways. She has learnt plenty of valuable lessons, and the importance of focus is one of them.

“Amongst entrepreneurs, there’s the tendency to start too many businesses at once and not even master one. I believe we should learn to master the principles of running a successful business before we can even delve into many other businesses. Once you learn the values and the principles on one business that you’ve made successful, you can’t fail on others. It’s very important to focus and do something really, really well.”

A unifying brand for the people

Since its inception, the Portia M brand has seen immense growth. From using a two-plate stove at home and mixing ingredients using cake-mixing tools, the brand does indeed come from far and humble beginnings.

For all the hard work, excellence and dedication, Portia M has received much deserved recognition, while also winning awards. For the founder, witnessing the various stages of the brand’s growth and transformation has come with much grace, personal growth and truth.

“I think it has been a graceful journey where I grew as a person. I saw that the belief system which says ‘women bring each other down’ doesn’t necessarily exist. Portia M as a brand is what it is because women advocated for it. They shared their pictures and became the brand’s ambassadors for free, making it what it is today.”

Moreover, she views the success of the brand as a sign of people’s readiness to embrace and consume products made by Africans for Africans.

“We are ready for our own things and to support our own. Portia M is what it is because Africans chose to believe in themselves and their own brand. Portia M is the people’s brand.”

Relaxation and nurturing relationships

During her spare time, the successful entrepreneur can be found spending time with her friends or enjoying life’s small and meaningful pleasures with her children.

“I love my kids and I enjoy jumping on the trampoline with them,” she shared. Mngomezulu also enjoys relaxing in her home spa and spending quality time with her family.

For young entrepreneurs who seek to build successful brands, Mngomezulu recommends a relentless belief in self and in one’s dreams.

“They need to see the end from the beginning and work from there. Nothing is impossible if you really believe and if you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices.”

Additionally, she advised on the importance of keeping sight of the vision, “You might get tired along the way, but the vision will draw you back to your

journey.”