If dynamic duo had a band name, it would be the Fakude Sisters. Amogelang (20) and her sister Mmapaseka (25) are the co-founders of Benyang, a personal and soon to be home care brand. The sisters, who hail from Hazyview in Mpumalanga are part of a special group of entrepreneurs who dared to launch businesses during a “pon de replay”.
Amogelang is currently a second year Mechanical Engineering student with big dreams to someday (soon) fly for the Emirates. Although Mmapaseka recently completed her qualification in Marketing Management, her passion lies in the health and skincare industry. She has always dreamt of having products of her own. It was that fire and drive that inspired the idea that has now grown into a profit-making business. For Amogelang, jumping on board to partner with her sister and start Benyang was a no-brainer. Growing up she never imagined herself as an entrepreneur but the disheartening rate of youth unemployment in South Africa opened her eyes to the fact that ‘start-up businesses like Benyang needed to be established with the goal of creating jobs for young South Africans.’
Benyang was established sometime during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown period and then launched in September 2020. “[Our] products are made with love, care and great quality by us. We produce bath products that promote relaxation, comfort, wound healing and muscle pain relief at an affordable price.” The sisters have big ideas for their business. “We are working on expanding our product line to home care products too.”
Their main offering currently consists of bath salts and bath crystals. “Our bath salts [are currently available] in three different fragrances – Lavender, Sandalwood and Vanilla. They provide the body with magnesium and have properties that promote sleep and reduce stress, swelling and muscle pain amongst many other properties. The bath crystals [are available] in two fragrances – Jasmine and Beach Mist. Both promote relaxation. Our bath salts are sold at R75/250ml and the bath crystals at R60/250ml.”
Amogelang and Mmapaseka agree that the most challenging aspect of starting Benyang was having to take a financial risk without the assurance of a return. “We were both students when we started [the business], but the best decision we made together was to commit ourselves and all we had to this business.” The lovely pair not only works together, but they pray together too. “We believe in prayer. When Benyang was launched, it was blessed, and we believe it will prosper through our family and friends prayers and support.”
Like we do at type4girl, the Benyang founders believe that the goal to positively impact the community and economy through empowering the girl child and women is made possible by our experiences and the very stories we have to tell.
Benyang accepts orders countrywide. For more information and updates, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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