Glo Looks (PTY) LTD
| Business Location: | Urban |
| Province | Free State |
| Branch: | Mangaung Branch |
| Business Start Date: | 2016-05-16 |
| Busniess Type: | Company |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Personal Care Products Manufacturing
Challenges/Needs:
The personal care and natural hair industry in South Africa, particularly in the Free State, presents both opportunities and challenges for emerging businesses like Glo Looks. One of the biggest obstacles is limited access to funding, which affects the ability to scale production, invest in research and development, and expand distribution channels. Many financial institutions hesitate to fund small businesses in the beauty sector, making it difficult to compete with well-established multinational brands that dominate retail spaces.
Another major challenge is the high cost of raw materials and production machinery. The personal care industry relies on specialized ingredients such as essential oils and plant-based extracts, many of which are either imported or expensive to source locally.
The cost of advanced machinery needed for large-scale manufacturing is also a barrier to growth, making it difficult for small businesses to meet growing demand efficiently.
Additionally, low marketing budgets limit brand visibility and customer acquisition. Large cosmetic brands have strong retail partnerships and massive advertising budgets, which allow them to dominate supermarkets, pharmacies, and online platforms. Small businesses struggle to gain shelf space and rely heavily on social media marketing, which, while effective, requires constant investment to remain competitive.
Lastly, consumer trust and brand loyalty are significant hurdles. Many consumers prefer established international brands due to perceived quality and availability. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic partnerships, government support, and innovative marketing strategies to build brand recognition and credibility in the South African hair care market.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
SEDFA has played a crucial role in supporting Glo Looks (PTY) LTD by providing key interventions that have contributed to the company’s growth and expansion. These include;
- Art of Pitching Training in partnership with DESTEA
- Market Linkage (finalizing supplier contract with Cosmetics Connection
- Access to Market: Bloem Show
- Assistance with application for DESTEA Grant Funding
- Art of Pitching Training in partnership with DESTEA
- Market Linkage (finalizing supplier contract with Cosmetics Connection
- Access to Market: Bloem Show
- Assistance with application for DESTEA Grant Funding
Outcome Details:
The various interventions have yielded positive results. The business came third in the Engen The Making of Entrepreneur Competition and won R 80 000, also won R 90 000; 1st Prize in the Mr Price Foundation Bindzu Youth Fund – Provincial Bootcamp. Refilwe was also approved with R250 000 grant funding from DESTEA.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
Seda has assisted my business to secure funding and ample opportunities for my business.
