Words: Zena le Roux | Images: Supplied
Beeswax has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so while Bee-utiful’s products are great moisturisers, it also helps to treat problem skin like acne, blemishes and eczema. All the ingredients used in Bee-utiful’s products are healing and collagen stimulating, and it contains no artificial fragrances or hormone-disrupting ingredients. Owner Marielle Wolmarans tells us more.
How did your business start?
Making my own beauty products started with my beekeeping hobby. After doing beekeeping for a while, I had a lot of beeswax in my fridge. I started looking into what I can use it for, as I like recycling things and trying out new recipes, and I realised I can make my own skin and beauty products. Around that time, I was also diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, so I tried everything to be healthy and I started using organic products. I’ve been making my own products for six months now.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Until recently, I managed to make all the products at home, in my spare time. I chose to work from home in Irene so I would be able to spend time with my family. We’re now expanding into a small studio at home, which saves us a lot of money as we don’t have to rent a space or waste time driving to our retail space and back all the time.
How did you find your premises?
We moved to Pretoria a few years ago to find good schools for our kids. We found this house with a big kitchen and we just knew it was the right fit. I’m very lucky to have space at home to run my business from.
Why are they ideally suited to your business?
I have more than enough space at home to make the products. It is also close to my current work and our kids’ schools. It saves a lot of time and money to work from home.
Who are your neighbours?
We live in a normal residential area which means that we are surrounded by residential citizens.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
About half the size of my work area would cost around R10,000 per month if I had to rent a space.
How many people visit your business each day?
I see about 15 clients per week and I provide products to two different shops. I also sell my products at markets twice a week. If a client is not local, I can easily send the products to them via courier services.
Do you have any expansion plans?
I am busy renovating my studio at the moment, as I would love to work full time for Bee-utiful. I also make new products every week.
Do you operate online as well?
As my website isn’t finalised yet, I do everything through my Facebook page and the Bee-utiful group. For now, I see Facebook as my online shop.
What’s your most popular item?
My night cream and my stretchmark cream which works really well.
See for yourself:
Bee-utiful
084 057 0502
facebook.com/beeskincare.sa
