By Lishe
What began in a garage during one of the most uncertain periods in recent history has grown into a thriving cosmetic manufacturing business.
For the founder of Tends Lab, the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of unemployment became an unexpected catalyst for entrepreneurship. Drawing on her expertise as a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, her background in Biotechnology, an MBA and more than 20 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, she turned uncertainty into an opportunity to build a business rooted in science, manufacturing and purpose.
Today, Tends Lab employs more than 15 people and supports entrepreneurs looking to transform their skincare ideas into commercially viable brands through formulation, manufacturing and quality control.
Her journey also speaks to a bigger vision for Africa’s beauty industry—one where African consumers have access to safe, evidence-based products and where local entrepreneurs have the expertise and infrastructure to build brands that can compete globally.
In this Lishe Wellness interview, we explore the story behind Tends Lab, the role of science in skincare, the importance of developing products for African consumers, and her vision for a stronger, more innovative African cosmetics manufacturing industry.
What inspired you to enter the wellness and skincare space?
My journey into skincare wasn’t born from a lifelong passion for beauty—it was born from a season of uncertainty. During COVID-19, I found myself unemployed and chose to build instead of waiting for opportunity. As a qualified Cosmetic Chemist with a background in Biotechnology, an MBA, and more than 20 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, I brought together science, business and manufacturing expertise. What started in my garage has grown into Tends Lab, a cosmetic manufacturing company employing more than 15 people. Unemployment became the catalyst for building a business with purpose.
2. How does wellness influence your approach to skincare?
For me, wellness is about how you feel from head to toe. Healthy skin contributes to confidence, dignity and self-care. We formulate around science, safety and purpose—not trends—because consumers deserve products they can trust.
3. Why is it important to create skincare for African consumers?
Representation matters, but expertise matters just as much. African consumers deserve products developed with an understanding of their skin and supported by evidence. As a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, every formulation is built around ingredient compatibility, efficacy, stability and safety.
4. Why was supporting other entrepreneurs important?
Through Tends Lab, we help entrepreneurs transform ideas into commercially viable skincare brands by providing formulation, manufacturing and quality control. When we help another entrepreneur succeed, we strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs and contribute to South Africa’s growing beauty industry.
5. What would you like to see change in the industry?
South Africa needs stronger cosmetic regulation and better consumer education. Stronger regulation would protect consumers, encourage responsible innovation and reduce the circulation of illegal products containing substances such as mercury, potent corticosteroids or the misuse of hydroquinone. It would also build greater trust in evidence-based skincare.
6. What is your vision?
My vision extends beyond building a skincare brand. I want Tends Lab to become one of Africa’s most respected cosmetic manufacturers while empowering entrepreneurs to launch successful brands. As a Cosmetic Chemist, I believe Africa has the talent to develop world-class products through science, innovation, quality systems and manufacturing excellence.
