From Childhood Dreams to Future Success

For 21-year-old Lerato Simelane, the allure of the beauty industry has been a lifelong fascination. From a young age, she was captivated by its transformative power, observing how it could uplift and empower individuals. Growing up surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures and diverse beauty standards in her community, Lerato's interest blossomed into a personal passion as she navigated her teenage years, exploring the world of makeup and skincare.

Now, she's wholeheartedly pursuing this passion through a New Venture Creation Learnership, diligently acquiring the skills and knowledge to build a fulfilling career in beauty therapy.

"As a child, I was always fascinated by the beauty industry and how it could transform people's lives," Lerato reflects. "Growing up in my area, I was surrounded by diverse cultures and beauty standards. As I entered my teenage years, I started exploring makeup and skincare. Now at 21, I am pursuing my passion for beauty therapy, learning new skills, and looking forward to building a career that helps others feel confident and beautiful."

Lerato's dreams extend beyond mastering beauty techniques. Her aspirations are deeply rooted in making a positive impact on others. "My dreams are helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin," she shares, "also building a loyal client base who trust and appreciate my work." This desire to connect with clients and foster trust speaks volumes about her dedication to her future profession.

When considering alternative paths, Lerato envisions a future where her passion would still take center stage, albeit through a different route. "If I were not part of the Learnership program, I could be dedicating my time to personal projects of freelance work in the beauty industry, building my portfolio and network independently," she explains. This proactive mindset highlights her inherent drive and commitment to her chosen field.

The Learnership program has already proven to be a transformative experience for Lerato, equipping her with crucial skills that have significantly impacted her personal and professional growth. "Time management and organization, also communication and active listening," she identifies as the most impactful lessons learned so far. These skills are not only vital for entrepreneurial success but also essential for navigating various aspects of life.

The program has also played a crucial role in shaping and solidifying Lerato's future aspirations. "I have gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to start and run a successful business, which has solidified my desire to become an entrepreneur in the beauty industry," she states. This newfound clarity and reinforced ambition underscore the value of practical learning in realizing one's goals.

Looking ahead, Lerato has ambitious long-term career goals. "My long-term career goals are establishing a successful beauty business, becoming a respected industry expert, and also mentoring and inspiring others," she envisions. She recognizes the pivotal role the Learnership plays in this journey, stating, "This program has provided me with the practical skills and knowledge needed to launch and grow a successful business."

Like any significant journey, Lerato's learnership has presented its challenges. "The challenge that I faced during my learning journey was managing my time between learning and my personal life," she admits. However, her proactive approach to problem-solving allowed her to overcome this hurdle. "But I overcame my challenge by prioritizing my tasks. I also created a schedule and stuck to it to ensure I met my deadlines." This demonstrates her resilience and commitment to success.

Beyond the formal training, the workplace experience has offered invaluable and unexpected lessons. "Memorable, working with colleagues has taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and supporting one another (Team collaboration)," Lerato recalls. This highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and collaboration in a professional environment.

Expressing her gratitude, Lerato extends a heartfelt message to the supporting organization. "Thank you to the Sponsor team for the opportunity to participate in the new venture creation program. Your support has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills and confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dream in the beauty industry."

Lerato's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion with dedication and embracing opportunities for growth. As she continues on her path, her blend of childhood dreams and newly acquired business acumen promises a bright and successful future in the beauty industry.