From Struggle to Success: Busisiwe Nkambule’s Journey with Impepho Essentials
In March 2024, a humble walk through the fields of Pienaar, near Mbombela, sparked a business idea that would change Busisiwe Nkambule’s life.
At the time, she had been unemployed for two years after resigning from her previous job due to mental and physical burnout. With no steady income, Nkambule relied solely on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to get by – until she decided to turn that grant into something more.
“Instead of using the grant only for survival, I decided to start something [a business] with it,” she said. Today, that bold decision has blossomed into Impepho Essentials – a proudly South African wellness brand producing nature-inspired body and hair care products using the indigenous impepho herb, known for its aromatic and healing properties.
Nkambule, 39, officially registered the company in July 2024. She said her journey began with a simple curiosity about the wild-growing herb, often used in traditional rituals.
“Before starting the business, I did a bit of research on the herb to find out more about it. During my research, I discovered that the herb has healing properties, it moisturises the skin and it’s also good for treating dandruff,” she said.
Her findings were validated after attending a Council for Scientific and Industrial Research workshop.
“After the workshop, I approached the facilitator to do some tests on what I could do and what the benefits of the herb were. She did the research in Pretoria and sent me a 20-page report that confirmed what I had found on the internet.
Impepho Essentials now boasts a product range of 15 items, including hair products, lip balm, tissue oil, body lotion, bath soaps, bath salts for stress relief and even impepho tea. With limited resources, she initially used her household blender and kitchen utensils.
“I have been making a bit of money, so I used that income to purchase better equipment.”
Her products are sold via an online store, social media and at flea markets.”
This month, Nkambule will move into business premises in KwaBokweni – a milestone in her journey.
As a Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency beneficiary, she has received support for branding and marketing and product testing is under way to position her for retail partnerships. She has also been allocated a business mentor. In May, Impepho Essentials won R40, 000 at the Hollywood Foundation’s Bambelela Business Awards.
“I was grateful because this will allow me to produce my products in bulk. I was limited with the equipment that I had here at home,” Nkambule said.
From Struggle to Success: Busisiwe Nkambule’s Journey with Impepho Essentials
In March 2024, a humble walk through the fields of Pienaar, near Mbombela, sparked a business idea that would change Busisiwe Nkambule’s life.
At the time, she had been unemployed for two years after resigning from her previous job due to mental and physical burnout. With no steady income, Nkambule relied solely on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to get by – until she decided to turn that grant into something more.
“Instead of using the grant only for survival, I decided to start something [a business] with it,” she said. Today, that bold decision has blossomed into Impepho Essentials – a proudly South African wellness brand producing nature-inspired body and hair care products using the indigenous impepho herb, known for its aromatic and healing properties.
Nkambule, 39, officially registered the company in July 2024. She said her journey began with a simple curiosity about the wild-growing herb, often used in traditional rituals.
“Before starting the business, I did a bit of research on the herb to find out more about it. During my research, I discovered that the herb has healing properties, it moisturises the skin and it’s also good for treating dandruff,” she said.
Her findings were validated after attending a Council for Scientific and Industrial Research workshop.
“After the workshop, I approached the facilitator to do some tests on what I could do and what the benefits of the herb were. She did the research in Pretoria and sent me a 20-page report that confirmed what I had found on the internet.
Impepho Essentials now boasts a product range of 15 items, including hair products, lip balm, tissue oil, body lotion, bath soaps, bath salts for stress relief and even impepho tea. With limited resources, she initially used her household blender and kitchen utensils.
“I have been making a bit of money, so I used that income to purchase better equipment.”
Her products are sold via an online store, social media and at flea markets.”
This month, Nkambule will move into business premises in KwaBokweni – a milestone in her journey.
As a Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency beneficiary, she has received support for branding and marketing and product testing is under way to position her for retail partnerships. She has also been allocated a business mentor. In May, Impepho Essentials won R40, 000 at the Hollywood Foundation’s Bambelela Business Awards.
“I was grateful because this will allow me to produce my products in bulk. I was limited with the equipment that I had here at home,” Nkambule said.
From Struggle to Success: How Busisiwe Nkambule Transformed a Grant into a Thriving Business
Pienaar, Mbombela – March 2024: A simple stroll through the fields of Pienaar ignited a life-changing business idea for Busisiwe Nkambule, a 39-year-old entrepreneur who turned her struggles into a flourishing venture. After two years of unemployment, following a resignation due to mental and physical burnout, Nkambule found herself relying solely on the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. But instead of merely surviving, she envisioned a brighter future.
“I decided to start something with the grant instead of just using it for survival,” Nkambule shared. This bold decision led to the birth of Impepho Essentials, a proudly South African wellness brand specializing in nature-inspired body and hair care products infused with the indigenous impepho herb, renowned for its aromatic and healing properties.
Nkambule officially registered her company in July 2024, driven by a newfound curiosity about the wild-growing herb often used in traditional rituals. “I did some research and discovered that impepho has remarkable healing properties, moisturizes the skin, and is effective for treating dandruff,” she explained.
Her findings were further validated after attending a workshop hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. “I approached the facilitator for assistance, and she conducted tests in Pretoria, providing me with a comprehensive report that confirmed my research,” Nkambule said.
Today, Impepho Essentials boasts a diverse product range of 15 items, including hair products, lip balm, tissue oil, body lotion, bath soaps, bath salts for stress relief, and even impepho tea. Initially, Nkambule relied on her household blender and kitchen utensils to create her products, but as sales began to grow, she reinvested her earnings into better equipment.
Her products are now available through an online store, social media platforms, and local flea markets. This month marks a significant milestone as Nkambule prepares to move into dedicated business premises in KwaBokweni.
As a beneficiary of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency, she has received invaluable support in branding, marketing, and product testing, positioning her for potential retail partnerships. In May, her hard work was recognized when Impepho Essentials won R40,000 at the Hollywood Foundation’s Bambelela Business Awards.
“I was incredibly grateful for the award, as it will allow me to produce my products in bulk. I was limited by the equipment I had at home,” Nkambule expressed.
Busisiwe Nkambule’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation, proving that with determination and the right support, one can turn challenges into opportunities. As she continues to grow her business, Nkambule hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles to pursue their dreams and create their own paths to success.
