Bonolo Matjila and Patience Kunene set out to solve personal skincare challenges and create a simple, effective, and financially sustainable solution – and with that, Golden Hour Skincare was born.
- Bonolo and Patience identified a gap in the market for inclusive and sustainable skincare products.
- Bonolo’s struggle with acne and the overwhelming number of products in the market motivated her to create a streamlined, four-step skincare routine.
- Their mutual determination and complementary skills have driven their success.
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The beauty industry, traditionally characterised by its focus on aesthetics and gender-specific products, is undergoing a transformative shift. Driving change are Bonolo Matjila and Patience Kunene, the dynamic duo behind Golden Hour Skincare.
Bonolo Matjila, at just 25 years old, has already made significant strides in the entrepreneurial world. A law graduate and Allan Gray Fellow, Bonolo’s journey into entrepreneurship began at the tender age of nine when she sold snacks at her school tuck shop. By the age of 15, she had shifted her focus to a social venture aimed at combating child malnutrition. Paragon Protein, the venture she co-founded, sold affordable Spirulina products and taught students how to grow this superfood at home. This initiative won the 2014 Innovate South Africa contest, and Bonolo was invited to speak at the prestigious Techonomy conference in San Francisco.
Despite these early achievements, Bonolo initially chose a more traditional path, completing her LLB degree at the University of the Western Cape in 2020. However, her participation in the Allan Gray Fellowship rekindled her passion for entrepreneurship, leading her to co-found Golden Hour Skincare in 2021. Bonolo’s dedication to problem-solving and value creation has been instrumental in developing the company’s first products, building its business infrastructure, and raising initial capital. Through various entrepreneurial programs and incubators, she has successfully raised R3.5-million in start-up funding.
As the co-founder and director of Golden Hour Skincare, Patience Kunene’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 12 when she founded a chip-selling business at her school. Her early experiences in customer service, inventory management, and financial acumen laid the foundation for her future endeavours. Now 24, Patience holds an LLB degree from the University of Pretoria and has completed a Masters in Tax Law. Her diverse skill set extends beyond law, as she has also explored business and entrepreneurship, completing a start-up school course with Investec.
Patience oversees tax and finances, inventory management, strategic growth, and company compliance. Her legal background and business acumen have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of product development, marketing, and sales, positioning Golden Hour Skincare as a trusted brand in the industry.
Launching Golden Hour Skincare was not without challenges. Raising capital in South Africa proved difficult, leading Bonolo and Patience to bootstrap their business during the initial development phase. Their participation in development programs with financial incentives enabled them to secure the necessary funds to bring their products to market.
Customer feedback has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s offerings. Golden Hour Skincare has made iterative improvements based on customer input, enhancing both the product and the overall brand experience.
Golden Hour Skincare aims to simplify skincare routines and promote equality in product accessibility and pricing. Their research revealed that many customers were confused by the plethora of products available and uncertain about how to effectively address their skin concerns. The company’s streamlined, three-step routine provides clarity and confidence, making skincare accessible to all.
Bonolo and Patience envision Golden Hour Skincare contributing to the reduction of single-use plastic waste in the personal care industry on a larger scale. They plan to transition all their products to 100% recyclable and refillable packaging and reduce packaging layers for in-store purchases. In the long term, they aim to produce their own packaging using post-consumer recycled plastics.
Golden Hour Skincare, under the leadership of Bonolo Matjila and Patience Kunene, is looking to redefine the beauty industry with its environmentally sustainable, gender-inclusive products. Their commitment to simplicity, efficacy, and sustainability looks to set a new standard in skincare. As they continue to innovate and grow, Golden Hour Skincare hopes to make a lasting impact on the industry and beyond.
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