Bataung Moeketsi
IF ONE comes across a woman sporting a classy set of nails around Maseru, chances are that they were done by beautician, Mpho Mohale.
Mpho initially studied Beauty Technology at the Potchefstroom Academy in 2014 for a year. However, she later moved to Pretoria at the end of 2014 to pursue a Health and Skincare (Somatology) diploma at Camelot Health and Skincare Education. She graduated in 2017.
Mpho majored in reflexology and Asian massage therapy practices including Shiatsu and Thai but is currently known for her expertise as a nail technician and makeup artiste.
Originally from Sea Point in Maseru, she moved to Ha-Thetsane at 14. Now 25, Mpho told the Xpress People yesterday that she has always loved all things beauty.
“I remember while in Form 5 at Holy Family High School in Maputsoe we were preparing for our farewell, I would tweeze some girls’ eyebrows for as little as M2,” Mpho said.
“When it comes to nails and makeup, I hardly ever sleep as I am always online looking for new techniques and tricks.”
While in Pretoria living opposite the Union Buldings, Mpho would take advantage of the free internet connection and would spend hours at night on YouTube to enhance her skillset.
After completing her studies, she briefly worked at a skin clinic in Pretoria but soon realised that she wanted to venture off into her own business and follow her dreams before moving back to Maseru in February 2019.
“I took a big gamble when I left South Africa and opened a beauty parlour in the spare bedroom at my family’s Ha-Thetsane home,” Mpho said.
She launched her business, Touch and Glow Boutique, in March 2019 which offers an array of services including nails, waxes, massages, lash extensions, wig and weave installations and styling and makeup.
Earlier this year, she moved her business to a complex in Maseru and has since gained a large client-base through social media.
“I never thought I’d receive so much love and favour from so many people in less than two years.
“I owe a part of my success to ‘Mamokhera Mophethe who’s my businesses’ ambassador and handles my public relations on Facebook and Instagram and ‘Mampoi Letsie who runs my public relations on Twitter,” she said.
She says her business has grown on account of her consistency, her ability to go above and beyond when giving her customers what they want and also providing clients with a “shoulder to cry on”.
“I’m a jolly person, so I love to create a fun environment which allows my clients to leave their problems at the door so that they may enjoy their session.”
Mpho said she had hoped to go for trainings in South Africa this year to expand her expertise but the coronavirus pandemic scuttled her plans.
However, this has not stopped her from dreaming big. She hopes to move from her rented workspace later this year to owning her own beauty room where her clients can easily access her services.