Swazi born Ntombenhle Khathwane launches 'Black Pearl' hair care collection with Pearl Thusi

Jen Bala, Pearl Thusi & Ntombenhle Khathwane at the Black Pearl Hair Care launch (pic Instagram).

JOHANNESBURG - Radio and Television darling Pearl Thusi has launched her own hair care collection in collaboration with South African natural beauty brand, AfroBotanics. 

Named after Pearl’s signature brand, ‘Black Pearl’ by Pearl Thusi; the venture was jointly created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, owner of AfroBotanics, Pearl Thusi and marketing maven/publicist Jennifer Bala. An elaborate launch event, coordinated by Jennifer, exclusively revealed the hair care range to media and VIP guests at Midori Salon in Sandton on the 5th of November 2015.

“AfroBotanics positions itself as a premium mass brand and the Black Pearl Collection fits perfectly in that segment,” states Ntombenhle. This is Pearl’s introductory offering aimed at addressing the most pressing problems encountered by African women and women with natural hair in general.

The Enhanced Moisture range consists of the following 4 products developed to maintain healthy hair, battle dryness, brittleness and hair breakage: 

• Moisturising Shampoo: sulphate-free with tea-tree and peppermint oils - 250ml – R55 

• Conditioning Moisturiser Spray: a daily moisture treatment that detangles, moisturises and softens hair – 250ml – R60 

• Hydrating Conditioner: high content of natural botanical oils and natural conditioners – 500ml – R75 

• African Oil Blend: containing Avocado, Baobab, Coconut, Marula and Shea Oils – 100ml – R75

All products do NOT contain mineral oil, petrolatum or paraffinum liquidum!

 Focus will be on educating women on how to care for their hair so they achieve the best condition of their hair, whether they have natural or relaxed hair; or whether they prefer to wear weaves and braids most of the time. Assisting the consumer to understand the science of her hair, the science of hair care ingredients, coupled with providing quality products that deliver on their promise - is the driving force behind this venture. 

The collaboration was initiated by Jennifer, the management powerhouse behind the hugely successful Loyiso Bala brand. Having known Pearl for a long time, Jennifer knew that Pearl had desires to establish her own hair care range, a decision informed by the need to keep her hair natural and in good condition and to share how she maintains her hair and to honour its curly personality. So introducing Pearl to another long time friend, Ntombenhle, was the next logical step, as she was also looking to collaborate with a like-minded celebrity who shared the same values when it comes to hair, beauty and business. 

The stunning Black Pearl (pic Instagram)

At the media launch Pearl mentioned: “I treat my hair as my child...it’s important to nurture your roots, your scalp and your hair, whether you have straightened your hair or you wear it natural.” She said this is the reason she previously lost out on certain business opportunities because she would not agree to relaxing her hair in order to become a brand ambassador for other hair care brands. 

However, she added that, “it is better that things worked out that way because now I have my own hair care range. I own my hair and its shrinkage, I own the products I use on my hair and I own my choices as a woman, thus the tagline for my range is ‘Own It!’” 

“This isn’t the usual endorsement or brand ambassadorship, this is an entrepreneurial collaboration rarely seen in the South African market. It is a collaboration between three business minded women, with similar passions, aimed at giving consumers the best products and experience based on transparency, engagement and authenticity in a way that is lacking in the consumer product space, when women support, celebrate and work together, amazing happens” said Ntombenhle at the product launch. 

The ‘Black Pearl’ collection will be available as part of the AfroBotanics range listed in selected Game Stores from the 25th November 2015 and online from the 13th of November 2015. 

In Swaziland, check KaNjumbane and Indigo a week later.

We are so proud of you Ntombenhle!

For Further Information please contact: 

Ntombenhle Khathwane – Ntombenhle@afro-botanics.com   

Jennifer Bala – Jen@loyisomusic.com

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