Bridgette Jacobs, a small business owner from Barkly West and one of many women benefitting from the Young Women in Business initiative, has opened a fully-equipped beauty spa.
Funded by Matla A Bokone Solar, this initiative is designed to assist young women entrepreneurs from within the Sol Plaatje and the Dikgatlong Local Municipality by providing new business compliance start-up kits and essential business development support.
Having received grant funding from this programme, Jacobs has grown her business, Bridgette’s House of Glam, and also expanded her offerings.
“We award this type of grant funding to our Young Women in Business beneficiaries after they met the criteria of maintaining business compliance and demonstrating operational and profitability efforts.
“Additionally, they undergo a business assessment and diagnostic process, which aims to develop an understanding of the current state of the small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), analyse available resources, identify growth opportunities, and leverage competitive advantages,” explained Lesego Mosiane, community liaison officer at Matla A Bokone.
This has allowed Jacobs to expand her range of services, which now include gel and acrylic nail installations, make-up, facials, photoshoots, and full body massages.
Jacobs expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am extremely thankful that Matla A Bokone Solar has supported my journey since day one.
“From registering a business for me, opening a business bank account, assisting with government central supplier database (CSD) registration, obtaining a broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) certificate, helping with my initial tax compliance certificate, and funding my fully equipped beauty spa.”
Initially, Jacobs faced significant challenges with space, equipment, and the overall aesthetics of her small beauty spa.
However, with the new and improved setup, her business has seen a significant transformation.
“It is now easier to attract clients as I can showcase my beautiful spa on social media. I am also generating additional income by utilising the spa’s artificial backdrop as a photoshoot space,” she added.
Jacobs plans to expand her expertise in the beauty industry by attending cosmetology school to specialise in skin care and advanced massage therapy.
