LEBO MJANGAZE
Four years ago, Bianca Alberts took a leap of faith, leaving behind a corporate career to start her own beauty and wellness business and today, that bold decision has earned her a nomination in the prestigious 2025 Women of Stature Awards.
Alberts, who has been in the cosmetology and wellness industry for more than 10 years and founded her own business in 2021 in Beacon Bay, Beautiful by Bea, is the only East London entrepreneur recognised alongside 131 other national nominees in 14 categories.
The awards were established more than a decade ago and aim to transform and empower women by recognising their achievements and contributions in categories including CEO of the year, woman in education and training, woman in engineering and mining and woman in technology.
Alberts has been nominated in the category, women in beauty and fashion along with eight other nominees.
Alberts is elated at the nomination not only because it is a testament to her expertise within the cosmetology sector but also because it gives her an opportunity to raise awareness about topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), which is a condition caused by overuse of highly potent topical steroids on your skin which she has encountered over her years in the industry among clients and personally.
Despite the severity of symptoms associated with TSW, the condition is not medically recognised in SA and Alberts hopes her platform can be used to advocate for change in this regard.
Awards CEO and founder Charlotte du Plessis said that Alberts’ nomination is confirmation of her pioneering presence in the beauty, fashion and wellness industry. Du Plessis added that Alberts’ work ethic resonates with the values the awards believes are integral to women who are leaders in their sectors — these being; integrity, accountability, visionary and dependability.
Du Plessis added: “The awards were conceived to recognise and honour the contributions of women like Bianca who are positively impacting their professions and their communities.
“The nomination, despite whatever the outcome is, is proof that Bianca is an inspiration outside of her core industry and a motivational resource for others. She is viewed by her peers as an important steward within the beauty and fashion sector that others look to for mentorship because of her personal drive and passion for her profession.
“As the awards approaches its 10th season this year we celebrate a decade of empowering and uplifting women like Bianca who are the unsung heroes of their industries and communities.”
Over the years, Alberts said she has come to understand the vital importance of self-care for women, creating a safe space where they can be vulnerable about their challenges and insecurities. She believes confidence and strength lie in feeling beautiful, a philosophy that drives her business.
“My mission is to empower women, particularly mothers, by providing them with a platform for personal growth,” she said. “Whether it’s uplifting my teams with career opportunities or helping clients understand the importance of prioritising themselves, I believe that when women take care of their wellbeing, they become better for their families, careers and communities.”
A mother of two who grew up on a farm in the Free State, Alberts has faced her fair share of obstacles but remains committed to excellence. “Over the past four years, I have battled health challenges, including TSW, which has deepened my gratitude and strengthened my belief that I am a vessel for change and awareness,” she said. “I want to break the stigma that wellness is a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity for women to be the best versions of themselves.”
Border Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) small business desk chair Grant Sinclair congratulated Alberts, saying: “Given the current rate of unemployment and the lack of opportunities for graduates, choosing to be an entrepreneur is a very viable option, especially for women.
”At the BKCOB we celebrate women such as Bianca. She has shown what it takes to reach her goals, and shown others what can be done.
”Al the members of the BKCOB wish her luck with her nomination.”
Alberts is nominated in the public choice category and all votes submitted go towards the Women of Stature Foundation, which creates sustainable growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
To vote for Bianca Alberts please visit the Women of Stature Facebook page and follow the link provided to vote. Voting closes on March 31.
