Manufactured in Lesotho since 2015, Florratt cosmetic has grown into a thriving operation employing more than 50 factory staff, 90% of them being women. Mampho Tjabane, CEO of Florratt initiated Florratt Cosmetics to help women who have skin problems and job creation. “The secret to success is a sustainable and fresh approach to the beauty business and community development,” said Tjabane.
Florratt Cosmetics address skin and hair problems using herbal extracts sources locally regionally and internationally. The main plants used to make the products include: Agave, Aloe Rose-hip, Prickly pear which grows in the wild mountains of Lesotho. The indigenous plants and are harvested by locals who sell them to the cosmetic company.
Fatty acids and vitamin A in rosehip oil moisturize skin, promote regeneration, and improve flexibility and permeability. Prickly pear has high levels of vitamin E, known to help skin and hair stay nourished, while linoleic fatty acid encouraging new cell growth and skin brightness. According to Tjabane “through sustainable use of medical plants like these and many others, we’ve developed a range of solutions for different skin and hair types and different problems, including dry skin, acne, pigmentation blemishes and cellulite as well as dry and malnourished hair”.
Tjabane says her company is making a difference by creating decent and dignified jobs for a team of mostly female employees, many sole breadwinners. Annah Thakane is one of the thousands of female micro-entrepreneurs who on-sell the products. “I love selling Florratt Cosmetics because my customers love them, it gives me a chance to help others, while also empowering me to have my own small business and set my own schedule,” said Thakane.
Florratt Cosmetics direct selling business model offers entrepreneurial and income-generating opportunities with no education or training required. The women earn rebates through their personal sales to customers and from sales made by their sales teams. “Our marketing strategy means potential customers must register with Florratt Cosmetics so they can sell to others in smaller packages,” explains Tjabane.
The African cosmetic company couples local manufacturing with global distribution with about 6,000 South Africans and Basotho now make a living from the products, distributors can also be found in Botswana, Mauritius, India, China, the US and Australia.
Tjabane now lives in Joburg, has developed a professional production facility and has a loyal customer base. She added that the business has grown thanks to referrals from happy return customers and an easy-to-understand network marketing model. She launched her second factory in Kya Sands, Johannesburg and will soon be launching another one in Harrismith, in the Free State.
