By: Tebogo Mokwena
What started out as a massage business quickly turned into a skincare product manufacturing business, and this was because Emily Modise’s customers loved the products she used. Being fully convinced by their support and her passion to solve problems, Modise’s business, Bodi Dr. Cosmetics, is now the go-to for many who want quality skincare products. According to Modise, who is from Tshwane, she did not want to be an entrepreneur, much less a manufacturer of skincare products.
“My parents were entrepreneurs. My mother designed clothing for the local people and my father was a hardware store owner,” she told Vutivi News. “Inasmuch as I may try to avoid not pursuing entrepreneurship, it is in my blood and I am constantly solving problems with business ideas or finding opportunities.” Bodi Dr. Cosmetics was founded in 2017. Before that Modise acquired a BTech in Hospitality Management, as well as a qualification in advanced massage services.
She also obtained a qualification as an aromatherapy essential oil blender, which equipped her with the know-how to manufacture organic skincare products. It was around 2019 that the idea to manufacture skincare products surfaced. “Throughout our service, an interest in our oils was built as our clients became impressed with the quality of our oils and the aromatherapy they benefitted from them,” she said.
The business currently manufactures and sells Moringa Massage and Body Oils, Moringa Inflammation Oil, Moringa Body Lotion, Moringa Body Butter, African Black Soap Paste, Moringa Bath Tea and Moringa Beauty Soap. She sources the moringa from a farm in Hammanskraal in northern Gauteng and her customers are based across the country. Modise said that one of the things she enjoyed the most about running her business was the feedback she received from her customers.
“The moment a client comes back with another order or a comment to say that our product works is more fulfilling and empowering than anything,” she said. “It makes us want to do more, and engaging in conversations about beauty and wellness with clients is appetising.” Modise said that although it was difficult to pick the business up after the lockdown, she was able to do so thanks to the support she received from her clients and the government.
“Receiving endorsements from small business agencies like the Small Enterprise Development Agency helped strengthen our brand and the loyalty of our customers,” she said. “Our plan, therefore, is to see ourselves having our own stores across South Africa in the future.”
