Julina Kaakunga

Momake Muhupua is an Otjiherero phrase which translates to “One can live off of their own hands”. It is also the name of a business started by Kutamotjoje Nguvitjita who curls wigs with rollers. 

Spurred on by unemployment, Nguvitjita explored washing and curling wigs with rollers, mostly for Windhoek-based women to finish of their traditional outfits for weddings or any other fancy function.

Established last year, Momake Muhupua has benefited its founder in various ways. 

“I have accomplished a lot through my business, like developing or implementing new procedures. I have been complimented by clients and my parents, who push me to do my best,” she said. It also assisted her in identifying problems and solving them” she told VIBEZ!

Nguvitjita (27), recently expanded the business. 

“I came up with new ideas which improved things like saving up money and extending the business into selling eggs,” she added. 

The most challenging things are a lack of funding and discrimination, as well as the limited amount of time in which she sometimes must deliver, she noted.

“Then there are those who drop off their wigs and never show up as agreed, and it’s problematic as we don’t have enough storage space.” 

“Well, I would say my business has evolved at a good pace. I started this business because I did not want to depend on anyone to get money to buy things for myself, and this has had a positive influence on me as the founder because it motivates me to work hard for my own money by doing what I do best with my hands,” Nguvitjita beamed.

One of her clients, Vezembouua Muvangua, could not be more proud of Nguvitjita. 

Muvangua said she has been a client ever since the youngster informed her about her business idea.

“I even designed a flyer for her when she started. She is really a talented individual, and therefore I am glad,” she observed.

Another client, Uarije Mbaukua, agreed with Muvangua, and is also proud of Nguvitjita, saying she got exposed to the business through Nguvitjita’s adverts on WhatsApp, Instagram and other social media platforms. 

“I wouldn’t personally want her to improve on anything; she is quite skilled. If she could receive sponsorships, she would go a long way, because as is, she has been curling wigs for women all over Windhoek, and that makes me proud,” she added. 

Mbaukua noted that Nguvitjita’s customer service is great, and she is a consummate professional.

Nguvitjita has learned to listen actively to her clients while paying attention to their requests, as that helped improve communication. There are sometimes communication challenges, but she decided to handle them as well as being empathetic.

“The greatest lesson I have learned as an entrepreneur is that you have to be willing to fail to succeed. You shouldn’t let failure be a deterrent; you to have a plan. Even when you’re thrown off your game, one should have a plan of action to overcome it,” she advised.

- julinak990@gmail.com