Latest news with #braiding
News24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
The Londie London Hair Genie competition gives hope to young braiders
Supplied The reality TV star launched the Londie London Hair Genie competition to support young braiders across SA. At least 13 finalists from different provinces battled it out in Sandton. The top five shared the R200 000 prize money and vouchers to use on the Afrotex website. @citypressza All these hairstyles were done by different hairstylists who were competing for the Londie London Hair Genie Competition! Such creativity 🙌 Congratulations to the winners! ♬ Reflections on 52nd - AGM3 In April 2023, reality TV star, musician and entrepreneur Londiwe 'Londie London' Zulu launched what she called the longest braid in Africa. Two years later, she has contributed to the growth of young braiders' businesses across the country through the Londie London Hair Genie competition, which started last year. Recently, 13 braiders from different provinces battled it out during the competition finale in Sandton. The journey began last April when the braiders posted their work using the Londie London Braid on social media. The second phase of the competition featured the top 30 contestants. 'The competition has been successful. It also encourages hairstylists to be bold and try new things. Some people get bored with just doing a regular hairstyle; they want to do something out of the box. So, this also serves as a chance for them to showcase their talent,' she said. She added that last year's winners shared the R100 000 prize, which doubled this year. The winner, Bernice Momina, took home R30 000 in cash and a R15 000 voucher to use on the Afrotex website. The model she worked with won R15 000 in cash and a R5 000 voucher. Supplied Zulu spoke about her partnership with Afrotex, saying it took them three years to develop the Londie London Braid. 'I have tried a lot of things, everybody knows that. The braid business found me. Afrotex wanted to work with me because I was hectic on braiding, especially when I was a musician. I said if I am going to have a braid line, it has to be the best one with the best texture because I understand braiding and I can braid,' she said. The musician, who is currently working on an EP, said she balanced her busy schedule with prayer and the gym. She added that she was grateful for her mother because she helped her take care of her two children. Zwivhuya Tshifularo, a braider from Madombidzha in Limpopo, took second place. She attributed her success to God, saying: 'God kept His promise yet again.' The 23-year-old said the R20 000 cash prize came at a perfect time as she was working on a new business venture to be launched in August. Tshifularo initially pursued accounting science at the University of Johannesburg but dropped out in her final year to focus on entrepreneurship, aligning with her passion for the beauty industry. She started braiding when she was 11 and wanted to create neat, long-lasting, yet pain-free braids. The hairstylist said her journey to the finale had been overwhelming and filled with sleepless nights. I've been working hard in the braiding industry and I've always anticipated moments such as these where I could showcase my craft. My work is faith-centred and I believe God is doing the work and I'm just a vessel. Zwivhuya Tshifularo Tshifularo's winning hairstyle was inspired by Youth Month and the resilience of the braiders. 'I have always felt like hairdressers were not recognised for their craft and the impact they have on people's lives, putting a smile on people's faces and giving them confidence in their beauty. For Afrotex to give me an opportunity that I have longed for for years, it made so much sense for me to thank them through the craftsmanship of my work,' she said. Supplied Tshifularo's vision is to teach people that beauty lies in braiding hair and help those in the industry perfect their craft. 'I want to teach people to fall in love with every braid before money. I also want to let people know that you can make a good living out of braiding, because I know it's often undermined,' she said. Magcino Nzima, Refiloe Maleka and Phumla Ngomane won the third, fourth and fifth places, respectively. Everyone who did not make it to the top five got R2 000 for participating. Zulu announced the opening of Londie Beauty Shop in Sandton and invited hairstylists to contact her for jobs.
Globe and Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Beauty of USA Debuts in Allentown, Offering Wholesale-Price Hair Essentials Without the Bulk Minimums
Beauty of USA is a one-stop beauty destination that pairs an expansive product selection, same-day local delivery, and an in-house braiding salon under one roof. Beauty of USA has opened its doors at 917 Hamilton Street, introducing a fresh retail concept that combines the reach of a full-scale beauty supply warehouse with the convenience of neighborhood shopping. The store, and its accompanying e-commerce platform, delivers thousands of professional-grade hair products at wholesale prices, yet eliminates traditional bulk-purchase requirements, making high-quality beauty essentials accessible to everyone from first-time braiders to seasoned stylists. Positioned in the heart of downtown Allentown, Beauty of USA stocks an extensive assortment that spans braiding and crochet hair, human-hair weaves, lace-front and ready-to-wear wigs, specialized hair-care lines, styling tools, body products, cosmetics and accessories, all curated to meet the fast-changing demands of multicultural hair trends. Competitive everyday pricing is further supported by rotating 'New Arrivals' and 'Deals' sections, allowing shoppers to discover the latest textures, colors and cap constructions as soon as they drop. 'Our goal is simple: elevate the beauty shopping experience while protecting our customers' budgets,' said a Beauty of USA spokesperson. 'By sourcing directly and pricing at wholesale levels, without forcing bulk commitments, we give professionals and everyday consumers equal access to premium products that empower creativity and self-expression.' A Salon Experience Inside a Supply Store Beyond aisles of retail offerings, visitors will find BOUSA Braiding Salon, a full-service studio located at the back of the store. Staffed by experienced braiders and extension specialists, the salon provides protective styles, custom installs, and wig services using products available on the sales floor. Walk-ins are welcomed, and clients may select hair from the shelves moments before their appointment, ensuring color and texture match perfectly. The dual model creates a seamless loop: shoppers who are uncertain about DIY installation can schedule professional service on the spot, while salon patrons who fall in love with a style can immediately purchase maintenance items before heading home. E-Commerce, Same-Day Delivery and Flexible Fulfillment Recognizing the growing demand for on-demand beauty, Beauty of USA has rolled out multiple fulfillment options. Same-Day Local Delivery across the Lehigh Valley for orders placed before the afternoon cut-off. Ideal for stylists facing last-minute client requests. Store Pickup for customers who prefer to browse online and collect in person, bypassing shipping fees. Nationwide Shipping that extends the store's competitive pricing and curated catalog to customers throughout the continental United States. All inventory displayed online reflects real-time stock in the Allentown warehouse, reducing back-order frustrations and ensuring swift dispatch. A Community-Focused Mission Beauty of USA aims to serve more than just retail needs. The company plans to partner with local cosmetology schools and independent stylists for educational demos, product knowledge sessions, and small-business workshops designed to help entrepreneurs grow their clientele without overspending on supplies. Loyalty programs and e-mail exclusives will reward repeat customers with early access to limited-edition drops and flash sales. To learn more and get started, visit Address of Bousa Braiding Salon: 917 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. About Beauty of USA Beauty of USA is a privately owned beauty supply retailer headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded on the belief that professional-quality hair products should be affordable and readily available, the company bridges the gap between wholesale distributors and neighborhood beauty stores. With a comprehensive product range, an in-house braiding salon and multiple fulfillment options, including same-day delivery, Beauty of USA elevates the beauty routine for consumers and professionals alike.
