Many people plan holidays in December, but some also plan how they will capitalise on the busiest time of the year. 

In December, Ndapandula Imene was walking through the streets of Katutura, Windhoek and noticed something different: shops were closed, offices were quiet, but salons and barbershops were open, full, and busy. 

That moment changed her plans. 

Instead of spending her savings on a holiday spree, Imene chose to invest the money in a hair and beauty business. Just two months later in February, she opened her doors in Katutura’s Single Quarters. 

“I saw the opportunity with my own eyes. Salons were full and people were waiting. I knew this was a business that could work,” she said. 

Starting with between N$15 000 and N$20 000 of her own money, she built a small but growing business offering hairstyles, eyelash extensions and nail services. The idea was also shaped by her experience during lash training late last year, where she saw how high the demand is, especially during busy seasons. 

Today, her business employs four hairdressers, giving income to women with skills but limited access to proper working spaces. 

“I wanted to create something not only for myself, but also for others. Many people have talent, but they don’t have equipment or a good place to work,” she said. 

Her business is still new, but it is already part of Namibia’s fast-growing beauty industry. 

In Windhoek, the cost of looking good is rising. Customers now pay around N$300 to N$700 for basic braiding, while weaves and installations can go as high as N$3500. 

Wig installations range from N$300 to N$800, eyelash extensions from N$150 to N$400, and nails from N$100 to N$350. 

For many, these prices are becoming expensive, but demand remains strong. 

Salon owners say the increase is caused by high prices of imported products, transport costs and expensive modern equipment. Imene is feeling the same pressure. 

“The equipment we need is not cheap, and transport is also a challenge. But we are pushing forward step by step,” she said. 

She is not only a business owner. She is also an educator who teaches entrepreneurship. 

She said this pushed her to move beyond theory and start something practical. 

“In class we teach business, but I wanted to live it and understand it better,” she said. 

Even without government support or loans, her business is slowly growing and contributing to her income, while helping her employees earn a living. 

Looking ahead, she has big dreams. She hopes to expand beyond Katutura and open more branches in Windhoek and other towns. 

For now, she remains focused on building her brand, one client at a time. 

“The start is not easy. But if you stay committed, you can grow something small into something big,” she said. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na