Okahandja’s beauty trailblazer

In the quiet town of Okahandja, Paulina Shapwanale is quietly transforming the local beauty and fashion landscape. What began as a childhood fascination, watching her cousin braid hair, evolved into early skill. “By the age of 10 or 11, I was already doing my own hair,” Shapwanale recalled.Years later, a friend’s encouragement prompted her to take make-up more seriously. “She said, ‘Why don’t you take this up as a profession or side hustle?’” That nudge led to formal training under beauty industry figures Hannah Nangula and Suoma Beauty.Today, her venture, Kalonboutique, offers a mix of hairstyling, professional make-up, and a curated selection of contemporary fashion. It became more than a passion project after she unexpectedly lost her job. “That was a blessing in disguise,” she said. “The rest is history.”Despite challenges like limited access to services and a small customer base, Shapwanale has carved out a niche by staying ahead of trends and prioritising quality. “Beauty and fashion go hand in hand,” she explained. “If anything, you are gaining more clients because one side feeds the other.”She admits the early days weren’t profitable but says building a brand comes first. “The first years of business aren’t about making money, it’s about establishing your footprint,” she said. Loyal clients and the support of her mentor, Fluffy Nikodemus, her partner and her family kept her going.Her goal? To make everyone who walks into her salon feel at home. “I want them to feel heard and seen,” she said. “Some clients have become close friends. Laughter is always guaranteed.”Shapwanale says her biggest accomplishment is personal growth. “I was my biggest project, and I’ve done the work. I’m proud of myself.”To aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is simple: “Just start. Be teachable. Be humble. Practice. And most importantly, invest in yourself.”

Okahandja’s beauty trailblazer

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Republikein 2025-07-22

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Okahandja’s beauty trailblazer

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