Thuthuzela Masangwana is the owner and founder of Daily Diva Cosmetics. This week we chat with her about the business and how she found a gap in the market for her makeup products
What products/services do you offer?
I sell high-quality beauty products like matte lipsticks, lip glosses, makeup brushes, eyeshadow palettes, eyelashes, and more.
How did your business start?
The business was founded in August 2020, during Covid — a strange time to start a lipstick business, but somehow we pulled through. For three to four years I’d been selling cosmetics, but a different brand and I was doing quite high volumes monthly and got motivated to start my own brand. A few friends helped with research, and soon I started sourcing and sampling products abroad and finally found a winning formula.
What inspired you to start the business?
It was the belief that when you look good, you feel good. I was still based in Mthatha then and as we didn’t have access to much there, we struggled to find decent-quality makeup products. People would settle for whatever was readily available. That’s the gap I saw and I ran with the idea of supplying better-quality products. There’s also the motivation of supplementary income.
How many people do you work with?
We don’t have a storefront and sell via our online store and distributors nationwide. We have more than 10 distributors selling and earning additional income through Daily Diva.
What sets your business apart?
First, I pride myself on the quality of my product. My lipsticks are non-drying, long-lasting, non-transferable, and waterproof. I have a stunning range of colors, from nudes to bright popping shades, as well as darker shades. Our luxurious eyelash range is 3D mink, reusable up to 20 times, and eyeliners double up as lash glue. The pricing of our products is fair and reasonable and you get your money’s worth.
What challenges have you faced?
I import my products, so I have to deal with customs duties. Shipping and delivery time frames are quite unpredictable and that poses a major threat to the business. Many times I have found myself sitting without a product because it’s stuck in customs or there is some issue with shipping. Not only do I lose revenue, but I face the challenge of clients settling for whatever is available, which could be a different brand. One way to counter this would be to order larger volumes, but that is dependent on cash flow and not always possible.
What are your proud moments?
When I see strangers on social media proudly wearing my brand! I have seen my products being used by makeup artists on celebrities. The icing on the cake was when Basetsana Khumalo wore one of my lipsticks. That made my entire year. Shout out to AfikaM.
What are some of your goals for 2023?
I want to solidify my social media, expand the business and grow revenue by acquiring more distributors. I’ve also been approved as a Takealot vendor.
How can our readers get hold of you?
Website: http://dailydivabythuthu.co.za
WhatsApp: 073-177-5006
Instagram: dailydiva_bythuthu
