Startup Story
Zamabuya Muhanelwa is the founder of Indoni Perfumes in South Africa, a manufacturer and retailer of fragrances. Originally with a PR & Communications background, her entrepreneurial journey has taken her into the market of high end fragrance creation. When she first founded Indoni Perfumes in 2018, Zamabuya had no idea it would grow into one of the best fragrance retailers, creating job opportunities and empowering youngsters in the process. Today, Indoni Perfumes is a perfume manufacturer and retailer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but trading nationwide. It is predominantly known for offering cutting edge fragrances as well as home and pamper care products for less.
LoA chatted to the passion-driven perfumier, Zamabuya Muhanelwa, to learn more about her ambitions for the future of her business and the impact she hopes to make.
What does your company do?
We provide authentic quality perfumes at reasonable rates. Furthermore, we offer cutting edge and nourishing bath bombs, reed diffusers, scented candles, lotions, and bath oils. Indoni brings a luxurious top quality product at a relatively affordable rate; this hails from our strong belief that luxury is comfort.
“Indoni brings a luxurious top quality product at a relatively affordable rate; this hails from our strong belief that luxury is comfort.”
What inspired you to start your company?
It all started with me buying different perfumes at once so I can layer them and build up my own scent. This made me realize how creative I can be and thus challenged myself to take a short perfumery course in the year 2020 to refine my laboratory skills.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Indoni brings a luxurious top quality product at a relatively affordable rate; this hails from our strong belief that luxury is comfort. We source our chemicals from reputable firms - allowing us to manufacture high quality - lasting products.
“Since its inception, the brand has seen massive growth; empowering the youth nationwide through its distributor programme and hiring opportunities in its physical stores.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team of four includes our highly motivated shop assistants at our two branches; our driver who is responsible for the delivery of stock and products, as well as myself, the owner. We also have independent distributors who distribute our products and make a commission from the sales made. Since its inception, the brand has seen massive growth; empowering the youth nationwide through its distributor programme and hiring opportunities in its physical stores.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have always sold something on the side (even while still working) to make an extra income. However, nothing was formal at that time. It is for this reason that I believe that I was destined for entrepreneurship; I just needed to tap into what really set my soul on fire.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
With Indoni Perfumes, I am looking to open at least three more physical stores in the coming year. I am also looking to expand and make in-house candles and lotions.
“I believe that I was destined for entrepreneurship; I just needed to tap into what really set my soul on fire.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
More than anything, it is the fact that I am able to stay in touch with my passion long term. As challenging as it can be sometimes, I am happy that I am in the "driver's seat" and able to readjust my business journey as many times as I can to stay relevant in the market.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I would say be willing to start small and learn as much as you can in the process.
Contact or follow Indoni Perfumes
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL zamabuyahlase@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
We are great believers that when women entrepreneurs follow their passion, they are much more likely to succeed as that passion will continually keep them motivated and driven to achieve their goals. Zamabuya Muhanelwa is an entrepreneur who has a passion for perfume, and her growing brand is not just allowing her to fulfill her business dreams, but creating empowering job opportunities for others too. She understands that by building successful businesses, it’s possible to make real impact happen. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa