Epicutis Skin Care Range (Pty) Ltd
| Business Location: | Peri Urban |
| Province | Free State |
| Branch: | Mangaung Branch |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Products include:
• Body Creams and Lotions – with and without fragrances, designed to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin.
• Face Creams – formulated for targeted facial care, including premium CBD-infused variants.
• Hand Creams – providing deep moisturisation and protection for daily hand care.
• Hand Soaps – gentle yet effective cleansing options for all skin types.
• Petroleum Jelly & Aqueous Cream – multipurpose moisturisers suitable for the whole family.
• CBD Creams – enriched with cannabidiol for enhanced skin wellness and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Challenges/Needs:
When Ms. Mantwa Makhakhe, CEO of Epicutis Skincare Range (Pty) Ltd, approached SEDFA, the business was in need of greater brand awareness, facilitation for market linkages, and funding to expand production capacity. While the company already had a strong product range and expert leadership—backed by Ms. Makhakhe’s business acumen and Dr. Lehlohonolo Makhakhe’s dermatological expertise—it faced challenges in reaching a wider audience and securing consistent market channels.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
Intervention / Solution
Business Model Canvas and ERAT were conducted, and Sedfa assisted with the following:
• Trade Facilitation and Pop-ups for exposure to broader markets through Lemo markets, Bloem plaza and other referrals to stakeholders
• Market Linkages facilitation with Pick n Pay
• Product testing with SABS to meet retail quality standards and compliance requirements
• Productivity improvement, workplace layout design to increase production efficiency and optimise use of workspace
• Asset Assist Programme for access to funding
• Mentorship and Coaching, ongoing guidance to improve general business operations.
Business Model Canvas and ERAT were conducted, and Sedfa assisted with the following:
• Trade Facilitation and Pop-ups for exposure to broader markets through Lemo markets, Bloem plaza and other referrals to stakeholders
• Market Linkages facilitation with Pick n Pay
• Product testing with SABS to meet retail quality standards and compliance requirements
• Productivity improvement, workplace layout design to increase production efficiency and optimise use of workspace
• Asset Assist Programme for access to funding
• Mentorship and Coaching, ongoing guidance to improve general business operations.
Outcome Details:
Outcome/ Results
Through SEDFA’s intervention, the business received comprehensive business development support that propelled the company to new levels of growth and sustainability. Trade facilitation and participation in pop-up markets through Lemo Markets, Bloem Plaza, and other stakeholder referrals significantly boosted brand visibility and market reach. Market linkage facilitation with Pick n Pay enabled the business to enter a major retail chain, supported by product testing with SABS to ensure retail-quality standards and compliance.
Business was approved for an Asset Assist Programme amounting to R250,000, used to acquire a business truck. The company secured R700,000 in loan funding from ABSA and a R300,000 grant which will be used to purchase more machinery and equipment. Business sold a portion of its equity to purchase a factory, eliminating rental costs. There is ongoing mentorship and coaching to strengthen overall operations. Turnover increased by over 32%, 7 new jobs were created and 2 sustained. This holistic support has positioned Epicutis as a competitive, scalable, and sustainable player in the South African skincare industry.
Through SEDFA’s intervention, the business received comprehensive business development support that propelled the company to new levels of growth and sustainability. Trade facilitation and participation in pop-up markets through Lemo Markets, Bloem Plaza, and other stakeholder referrals significantly boosted brand visibility and market reach. Market linkage facilitation with Pick n Pay enabled the business to enter a major retail chain, supported by product testing with SABS to ensure retail-quality standards and compliance.
Business was approved for an Asset Assist Programme amounting to R250,000, used to acquire a business truck. The company secured R700,000 in loan funding from ABSA and a R300,000 grant which will be used to purchase more machinery and equipment. Business sold a portion of its equity to purchase a factory, eliminating rental costs. There is ongoing mentorship and coaching to strengthen overall operations. Turnover increased by over 32%, 7 new jobs were created and 2 sustained. This holistic support has positioned Epicutis as a competitive, scalable, and sustainable player in the South African skincare industry.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
"With SEDFA’s support, we turned our vision into reality, growing our brand, creating jobs, and securing our place in major retail."
