What started as a medical challenge for her son suffering from eczema and allergies, and with little to no help from the doctors, a mother and entrepreneur, Ms Koketso Ramatlho founded a cosmetics manufacturing company focusing on organic and plant-based indigenous ingredients for skin for her young son’s medical issues.
The Co-founder and Director of Angela Care based in Centurion, Pretoria, Ramatlho says true to her love and passion for entrepreneurship, the business and cosmetics industry simply chose her, and she answered the call without hesitation.
“My son was suffering from eczema and allergies, with little to no help from the doctors. We were advised to use moringa soaps and body butter on his skin. Within weeks there was great improvement, to a point of being healed,” says Ramatlho.
She decided to start a business to produce skin and haircare products from moringa and other plants in order help others as she became aware that there were many other people who were suffering from skin and hair problems.
“That was what birthed Angela Care, and our main goal is to become a leading African manufacturer and a globally recognised brand of high quality organic and plant-based skin and hair care products, using indigenous ingredients to promote healthy skin and hair, wellness, and sustainable living,” says Ramatlho, who holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Regent Business School.
She adds that her company’s key objectives are to grow the business locally and internationally, develop innovative products, maintain high quality and safety standards, promote and educate people about Indigenous ingredients, create employment and economic opportunities, promote sustainability and build a strong global brand.
Ramatlho’s company been recognised through numerous awards, including winning the Bambelela Hollywood Foundation Pitch Rounda, and the eKasi Pitch ran by Kaya FM in partnership with Standard Bank.
“Our biggest success was not only winning these awards, but also exporting to other countries has been an achievement for us. Our biggest success story though would have to be that we expanded our offices and built a laboratory. It was the hardest two years of our business and financial life having to put every cent we made into that, but it has been worth it. This will allow us to grow our team and push to get our Good Manufacturing Practice and International Organisation for Standardisation certificates,” she notes.
Ramatlho received funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, (the dtic’s) to showcase her products at the Beauty Istanbul in 2023 and support from Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, under the SHE TRADES Programme, which took them to Kenya for a conference.
Her messages of inspiration to other women entrepreneurs as the Women’s Month ends: “Believe in yourself and start with what you have. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Your idea, experience, and struggles and even your failures can become the foundation of something meaningful. Entrepreneurship is not always easy. There will be rejections, financial challenges, doubt and moments when you want to give up”.
She also believes that women have the power to create opportunities, not only for themselves, but for their families, communities and other women.
“Start small, be consistent, remain authentic and keep going. Your business may begin as an idea, but with courage, discipline and perseverance, it can become a legacy. This Women’s Month, I want to remind everyone that you are capable more than you can imagine. Never be afraid to dream, to start something new, or to take up space in rooms where women have not always been represented,” stresses Ramatlho.
The Co-founder and Director of Angela Care, Ms Koketso Ramatlho exhibiting her products.
Angela Care’s cosmetic products.
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