Cynthia Makhaza, a native of Dithakong Village in Mahikeng, has embarked on a remarkable journey from being a community health worker to becoming the founder and CEO of FoSista. This thriving company manufactures organic hair and skin products. Her inspiring story demonstrates resilience, determination and the power of following one's dreams.
Cynthia's roots trace back to Dithakong Village in Mahikeng. She attended Seleri Primary School and Tiego Tawana before maturing at Setumo High School. Her educational journey continued at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Initially, Cynthia worked as a lay counsellor at the Dithakong Clinic and became a community health worker.
Her dedication to community well-being eventually led her to the role of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMM) community facilitator and later as a provincial team leader at PWN.
In 2017, Cynthia was unemployed, marking a turning point in her life. Her interest in business began as a mere spark. During this time, she had a series of vivid dreams involving harvesting plants. "I started having weird dreams. I saw myself harvesting plants. I told my mother about it when I woke up," said Makhaza.
These dreams prompted her to recall her childhood experiences of using herbs and natural remedies from the nearby forest, shared by her mother, to heal wounds. Cynthia's entrepreneurial journey began when she had a compelling dream in 2020, shortly after her mother's passing. This dream vividly depicted her manufacturing hair and skin products.
Cynthia's sisters encouraged her to pursue her dream, leading her to experiment with mixing natural ingredients. In 2021, she started creating products based on her mother's teachings. Despite facing initial challenges, including product spoilage, the positive feedback from the first customers kept her motivated.
Cynthia extensively researched organic preservatives and suppliers, further honing her product-making skills. FoSista is committed to offering 100 percent organic and handmade products. These products suit individuals with sensitivities or allergies to chemical-laden alternatives. The product includes hair food and oil to restore hairlines, enhance hair volume, and promote growth.
FoSista takes pride in its commitment to inclusivity and versatility. Their product range is designed to cater to all genders, recognizing that everyone deserves to experience the benefits of organic and chemical-free hair and skin care. In addition to hair food and hair oil, FoSista offers specialized hair and beard oil, addressing the unique needs of individuals looking to maintain their hair and facial hair.
Whether you're seeking to revitalize your hairline, boost hair volume, stimulate growth, or enhance the health and appearance of your beard, FoSista's products are tailored to meet a wide range of personal care needs. This inclusivity aligns with FoSista's mission to provide natural solutions for everyone while promoting healthier, more vibrant hair and skin.
Cynthia's journey as a businesswoman could have been smooth sailing. She grappled with financial constraints, often running out of stock and struggling to secure funding. Convincing customers to trust a new brand in a market dominated by established giants posed challenges. Furthermore, the logistical hurdles of operating a business from Dithakong Village, with limited network coverage, presented communication challenges.
"When I started my business, I started without capital or financial support. So, for every cent I get, I re-invest in a business. Because I want to see it grow. Operating a business from Dithakong Village where network coverage is limited is the biggest obstacle because your phone takes them to voicemail, and that's how you lose some of the clients," she said.
For aspiring cosmetic chemists and entrepreneurs, she emphasizes the importance of thorough research and not shying away from seeking guidance from industry experts. She believes passion is a vital ingredient for success in the cosmetics industry. She envisions a bright future for FoSista. She aims to create employment opportunities for young people in the North West Province and hopes to establish a large workshop for product manufacturing.
Additionally, she plans to cultivate her raw materials through a greenhouse, contributing to local employment. Cynthia's journey from unemployment to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of determination and passion.
Her company, FoSista, not only provides high-quality organic products but also embodies the spirit of creating opportunities for others. As her business grows, she inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that dreams can become reality with dedication and hard work.
