In the ever-evolving medical aesthetics landscape, where beauty trends are constantly changing with every new technological evolution, only a few professionals can stay at the top of the trends and make a lasting impact in the beauty industry. With a trained medical background in medical aesthetics and international accreditation as a medical aesthetician and trainer, Qondi is transforming lives and training the next generation of professionals in the field. 

Born and raised in Soweto, in Deipkoof Extension, Qondi has always been interested in beauty and was intrigued by the science behind beauty and skincare products. At just the age of 13, Qondi would study the ingredients in the skincare products that her mother used to buy and how they worked. This early fascination with skincare and makeup laid the foundation for her career in medical aesthetics. “I genuinely, as a kid, had a keen interest in what was inside products. So, as young as 13, I would take a product and read the active ingredients or the ingredients on the label and try to figure out what they did to make this product and why I like this product.”

Establishing A Multi-Faceted Business

After earning a health and skincare qualification and working as a medical manager for a dermo-cosmetic brand for almost a decade, Qondi decided to spread her wings and start her own business with her knowledge and expertise. 

Her business, SkinQ Medical Aesthetics, operates as three different subsidiaries. The first is an e-commerce subsidiary that focuses on selling treatments and international and national brands. An aesthetics clinic that offers hands-on skincare treatments is the second subsidiary of the SkinQ brand. And finally, the third subsidiary, the SkinQ Academy, offers training for aspiring aestheticians across Southern Africa. With in-person or online classes, the academy seeks to upskill professionals and provide them with the knowledge to succeed in the beauty industry. 

The clinic offers general aesthetic services like chemical peels, fillers, micro-needling, beauty facials, paramedical semi-permanent makeup, and more. In addition to their services, the clinic has an in-house cosmetic surgeon who works alongside them for minor cosmetic surgeries at a different facility. 

Philosophy and Ethical Considerations

In a world where the idea of beauty has had tragic impacts on many people’s self-image and self-acceptance and the beauty standards often become unfair and exclusionary in nature, Qondi’s approach to beauty, skincare and philosophy is deeply rooted in self-acceptance and empowerment. “I always say this, and I believe in it, and I till this day will fight for it: less is more,” she says. She emphasises that excessive skin treatment can damage the skin’s barrier and produce the opposite of the desired results. “Unfortunately, a lot of us suffer from mental health issues, and body dysmorphia plays a huge role, but less is more. You don’t need to do too much to your skin. It’s unfortunate that people are constantly doing things that are not ethical, doing things that are damaging the skin’s barrier because they’re doing too much to it when all they need is to be patient and kinder to themselves.”

This philosophy guides the ethical practices the SkinQ clinic prioritises. Qondi emphasies navigating the skincare space ethically, carefully considering each client’s needs and a commitment to client empowerment. “We’ve never put the skin barrier in trouble or in a vulnerable situation. We are very ethical, and we work within our scope. We work closely with two dermatologists. One is like a big sister to me, Dr Bonolo Mushiana. I work very closely with her, so anything that is beyond our scope or needs a scientific overview, I always refer my clients to her and then based on her recommendations, we decide whether we can proceed with a treatment or not,” she explains. 

Empowering and Training The Next Generation Of Beauty And Skincare Professionals

Another significant aspect of the SkinQ brand that Qondi holds dear to her heart is the SkinQ academy. Qondi firmly believes in mentoring and supporting new and aspiring beauty professionals. The academy includes various courses that help many professionals interested in upskilling or aspiring beauty professionals with a passion for beauty and skincare. The academy has a course titled How To Be A Beauty Boss personally delivered by Qondi. The course covers the essential aspects of running a beauty business, from business management to ethical practices. This course sets a solid foundation and ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the industry.

Additionally, the academy and Qondi offer ongoing support for students and graduates through a WhatsApp group that serves as a resource for continued learning, reflecting Qondi’s commitment to the success of her students beyond the classroom. Additionally, the academy is working on providing financial flexibility for its students through various payment plans and a potential collaboration with a bank to provide educational loans. This strategy aims to make beauty education more accessible to a wide range of people. 

Qondi advises passionate beauty enthusiasts eager to join the beauty industry to embrace entrepreneurship and remain adaptable. She encourages aspiring professionals to think broadly and approach their careers with an entrepreneurial mindset. “My employees mustn’t hear me say this because they’ll smack me, but I often say to them, they must be entrepreneurs in each treatment room, act like this is their office and they’re making money,” she adds light-heartedly. She emphasises on the ability to think outside of the box so they can thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving beauty industry. “Don’t remain stagnant because there’s a lot in the beauty industry that you can do. “I would say every professional in the space needs to think like an entrepreneur. You are the skill set, you are the brain, you are everything. So think of yourself as an entrepreneur and spread your wings.”

Qondi is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in the beauty industry. Her journey from a curious child to a great aesthetician and educator reflects a deep commitment to excellence and ethical practice. Through her clinic and academy, Qondi continues to inspire and shape the future of beauty and aesthetics.