We had an interesting chat with Namibian entrepreneur Wellem Kapenda about his business, Wellem Cosmetics. Here’s what he has to say.
AFC: Tell us about yourself and why you chose to be an entrepreneur.
WELLEM: I was raised in Ongwediva, a small town in the northern part of Namibia. I hold a degree in informatics and an honors degree in marketing, with a specialization in digital marketing. Growing up with a father who was a serial entrepreneur exposed me to diverse ventures, from glass cutting and auctioning to farming and car repairs. The entrepreneurial spirit took hold of me during the pandemic. leading me to embark on my own journey.
AFC: How did you start Wellem cosmetics?
WELLEM: Throughout my university years, I engaged in influencer work with various companies and secured a significant collaboration with a cosmetics company. While developing marketing strategies for the brand. I discovered a passion for skin care, recognizing the limited decision-making power in the female-dominated cosmetics industry in Namibia. I conducted thorough research and brought together a team of professionals to create Wellem Cosmetics, a brand designed to offer innovative products catering to both men and women.
AFC: Can you tell us about the most difficult component of starting your company?
WELLEM: I believe the primary challenges in entrepreneurship are financial readiness and determination. Starting a business requires financial preparedness, coupled with the ambition to confront and overcome any challenges that may arise.
AFC: How do you ensure that your products are effective and safe?
WELLEM: By collaborating with a team of qualified professionals affiliated with Leaping Bunny and FDA Cosmetics, we ensure that all Wellem Cosmetics products are 100% safe for use.
AFC: What important ingredients do you prioritize, and why?
WELLEM: Given our status as a vegan company, we prioritize plant-based ingredients, ensuring that none are extracted from animals. This commitment extends to every aspect of our production process.
AFC: How do you stay creative and up-to-date with industry trends?
WELLEM: As a qualified digital marketer, my role involves devising innovative strategies to promote Wellem cosmetics. We stay abreast of industry chances in Namibia, aligning our business with global trends.
AFC: Can you provide any client success stories or testimonials?
WELLEM: Our products consistently sell out within weeks of restocking. Recently achieving Google Verification and receiving positive client reviews, we are currently revamping our website to include a testimonial feature.
AFC: In your product creation, how do you tackle sustainability and ethical sourcing?
WELLEM: Being a vegan-based company, our mission is to create products sustainably, from ingredients to packaging. This commitment reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and ensuring the well-being of our clients.
AFC: What are your ambitions for the company’s future?
WELLEM: My aspirations for Wellem Cosmetics extend beyond being a grooming and skincare brand; I envision it as a movement promoting sustainable skincare. This includes creating opportunities within Namibia and offering supplier services to small businesses, facilitating them in growth in the most sustainable manner possible.
Leave a Reply