Thursday All Access- In Conversation with Connie Zitha

 

Meet Connie Zitha who has mastered the art of plaiting, and hair magic.

While her 7year old peers were running the streets, she was getting lessons on how to plait hair by her mom. This didn't sit well with her in fact it came as an irritation, but little did she know that the plaiting lessons would build her an empire.  I had a chance to sit down and get to know her business a bit better.

 At the age of 13 years she started taking plaiting seriously, even got encouragement from clients to start her own business. She took this into consideration after she matriculated, although her plans were to study either psychology, teaching or nursing. But as you know life has a way of redirecting us at times. That's exactly what happened to Connie. In 2011 she opened her salon and as they say the rest is history.  In a competitive industry like hair you need to be able to stand out, and she has definitely found the for formula ''the way I start when plaiting ensures that the hairline does not break, which is much appreciated by clients'', she said. With unemployment rife in this day and age, Connie has made a difference by employing 30 people 26 of which are women and 4 are male. They have become family to her and continuously contribute towards the success of the businesses. Every business has its highs and lows, Connie cites that doing what she loves and doing it with a passion is one of her highs. Followed by customer satisfaction and getting new clientele. '' My lows are customer dissatisfaction, and when employees leave with no warning or explanation '', she explained.

Connie keeps a daily record book, which helps her ensure that clients are happy. She reaches out and encourages open communication with them. She is passionate about giving back and encouraging others and that is why she has her eyes set on opening her own academy in the next 5 years.Where she will have the pleasure of parting her knowledge on to them. We all have business ideas but fear gets the better of us at times. When asked to give advice to upcoming entrepreneurs she said '' Being patient is key, ensure that you have set your goals and don't get distracted by peoples negative opinions and keep the passion going ''.

She credits her success to her younger sister Joy Zitha, who also wants to take after her sister, she is 10years old and knows how to plait. It clearly runs in the family. Having a supportive husband has afforded her to get time to relax at home when she is not working, while he takes care of all the logistics.

I can attest to the fact that, Connie and her employers know exactly what they are doing. I have gotten my hair done there a few weeks ago and I was highly satisfied. If you looking for someone to take care of your hairline then head out to Connie's Magic Hair Studio details below:

Connie's Magic Hair Studio is available in the following areas

Mngadi Section(Katlehong)
Thokoza Section (Katlehong)
Vosloorus
Soweto

They are also available on social media @ Connie's Magic Hair Studio - Instagram and facebook