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Influencers making waves with their own original products

Influencers are no longer just promoting products—they’re creating their own. From beauty lines to home goods, these creators are turning their passions into businesses and offering fans something truly personal.

What makes these products stand out is the authenticity behind them, as they reflect the unique styles and expertise of the people who made them. Whether you’re looking for skincare with a story or a cookbook filled with heart, these influencer-led brands are making waves and reshaping how we shop.

Tamia Nontsikelelo Mokoena

This Johannesburg-based entrepreneur and content creator is the founder of Tol Thema, a unique head wrap business, which she started small but now has grown into a well-established entity, selling more than just head wraps. Tamia started as a content creator, where she would post herself getting ready for work with different outfit ideas, her style has always had a touch of elegance and class, and she always loved having a “doek” on her head and would share different stylish ideas shown to put a doek on and still look classy. It came to a point where people loved her content and she created her own head wraps with different makes and shapes. Tamia is now a well-recognised influencer and business owner who took her head wrap business to higher heights.

 

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A post shared by Tol’thema (@tol_thema)

Yolanda Mamthembu Mbolompo

Some of us started recognising this entrepreneur during her era of “becoming Mrs Zaula”, where she served us with consistent content for the preparation of her wedding. Only to find out that being a makoti is not all that she is, she is also a founder of Afro Bae (PTY) LTD, a company specialising in natural hair care products. According to Food for Mzansi, Yolanda has diversified her entrepreneurial endeavours, including estate enterprises and farming. Despite facing mental health struggles, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and is now an award-winning entrepreneur and brand ambassador.

@the_villagewife Promote your business your target market can see, and they will support you. #afrobae #entrepreneurship #womeninbusiness #hustle ♬ Inspirational – neozilla

Seemah Mangolwane

At the young age of 24 years old, Seemah has accomplished so much for herself and managed to make sure that the legacy of her name lives on. From the heart of the Western Cape, in a small township called Khayelitsha, this content creator, vocalist, and podcaster launched her very own lip gloss brand, “See My Gloss,” in mid-2024. The brand offers affordable, accessible lip glosses with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, states the See My Gloss website. Being the most loved and appreciated individual she is for her funny TikTok videos and vibey music, Seemah leveraged her social media presence to promote the product, which has been well-received.

 

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A post shared by Seemah Mangolwane (@s.eemah_x)

Also see: Our top 5 fashion influencers you need on your radar

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