Sandra Mwiihangele (Namibia)

Sandra Mwiihangele (Namibia)

(Founder of Kiyomisandz Beauty Products)

www.kiyomisandz.com 

Sandra Mwiihangele, the visionary founder of Kiyomisandz Beauty Products, is revolutionizing the cosmetic industry in Namibia and beyond. With a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of customer needs, Sandra has built a thriving business that combines technical expertise with a commitment to quality and excellence.

From humble beginnings in her mother's garage, Kiyomisandz has grown into a renowned cosmetic and toiletry manufacturing company. Sandra's entrepreneurial journey began when she won the National Young Science competition in Namibia at the young age of 11 for co-developing a high-performance lipstick. This early success sparked her determination to pursue a career in the beauty industry and create her own line of exceptional beauty products.

Despite facing personal challenges, such as struggling with her speech and overcoming shyness, Sandra's tenacity and unwavering commitment to her vision have propelled her forward. She taught herself to speak flawlessly and developed the resilience necessary to navigate the hurdles on her entrepreneurial journey. Her experiences have shaped her into a compassionate leader who understands the importance of managing diverse personalities and building strong relationships with customers and clients.

Sandra's entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success were evident even during her time at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she completed a 12-month in-service training at an analytical lab. While her salary was modest, she saved diligently and used her savings of $1,500 to start Kiyomisandz in Namibia. This leap of faith allowed her to bring her innovative cosmetic formulations to life and establish a solid foundation for her business.

Building a successful company from scratch is never easy, and Sandra has faced numerous challenges along the way. The lack of funding for startups and the difficulties in importing raw materials have tested her resilience and problem-solving skills. However, these challenges have only fueled her determination to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.

Sandra's dedication to excellence and innovation has not gone unnoticed. Kiyomisandz has earned prestigious accolades, including the National Commission on Research, Science & Technology innovation grant and the Development Bank of Namibia innovation award. These recognitions serve as a testament to Sandra's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cosmetic chemistry and creating products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

Beyond her business achievements, Sandra is an inspiration to many. Her inclusion in Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list is a testament to her remarkable accomplishments and the impact she is making in the cosmetics industry. Through her success, she is putting Namibia on the international business map and creating opportunities for exporting her products, and offering contract manufacturing services to clients across Africa and beyond.

Sandra's journey shows the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering passion. By harnessing her expertise and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, she is shaping the future of the cosmetic industry in Namibia. As she continues to expand her brand and empower others, Sandra Mwiihangele is a true trailblazer and a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.

(Information from Face 2 Face Africa, Lionesses of Africa, Leading Ladies Africa, Venture Media Namibia)