By Mo Senne
In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial savvy, Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies student Asenathi Ngqobe funded her flourishing livestock farm using the profits she earned from her popular Makhanda-based braiding salon, Braids by SESE.
While also excelling academically in journalism and drama, Ngqobe has built a thriving business, proving that a modern leader can bridge two seemingly disparate worlds.
Braids by SESE operates from a salon with a warm and inviting atmosphere, vibrant pink walls and a lush green feature wall as a visual symbol of growth and creativity. Nqobe’s business model was born out of a desire to address a critical pain point for her peers: “I understand how expensive it is to get your hair done,” noting that a simple braiding service could cost over R700 in the area.
Her solution was a student-focused business that offers high-quality services in braiding, makeup, and lashes at a fraction of the market price. This commitment to accessibility quickly made Braids by SESE a trusted name, empowering students and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access self-care and boost their confidence without financial strain.
Beyond her salon’s services, Nqobe’s commitment to empowerment shines through in the part-time jobs she has created for local youth and her initiative to teach braiding classes, imparting valuable skills that can help her peers build their entrepreneurial journeys.
However, the true genius of Nqobe’s story lies in how she leveraged the success of her beauty business to fund her next bold move. The profits she meticulously saved from Braids by SESE and other small side hustles became the seed money for an entirely different venture: a livestock farming enterprise.
Nqobe, who hails from the North West, returned to her family’s roots to cultivate her second business. At the Kwa Leah Country Estate, she manages half of their land, raising various animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens.
This strategic diversification, launched in 2022, demonstrates a forward-thinking and financial discipline rare in young entrepreneurs. She consciously used her success in one sector to invest in another, proving that a single passion can lead to many opportunities.
Navigating the demands of a double degree while managing two businesses separated by hundreds of kilometres is no small feat. Yet, Nqobe approaches both with dedication. She travels back to the farm every two weeks to oversee operations, ensure livestock welfare, and meticulously calculate her profits and losses.
She is supported by her single mother, whose belief in her daughter’s goals provides a crucial foundation.
For Nqobe being a boss is defined by more than just a healthy bottom line: “Being a boss is not about how much money you make, but about making a social impact and changing people’s lives.”
