For Kefentse Maringa, 32, entrepreneurship is both a calling and a catalyst for transformation. Her journey from crafting handmade Valentine’s cards to winning the 2024 Glamour Beauty Award is a story of vision, tenacity and purpose. As the founder and director of Kolor Faktory Cosmetics, she leads a proudly South African beauty brand that creates skincare-powered make-up specifically for dark skin. Launched in 2023, Kolor Faktory marries science, inclusion and storytelling. Kefentse is hands-on at every level. Her standout product, the Naked Melanite Longwear Foundation, has garnered industry recognition and retail traction, placing her at the forefront of a growing local cosmetics sector. Her accolades include being a Top 30 finalist in the Woolworths Youth Maker Competition, Top 10 for Standard Bank’s Top Women in Gauteng, and Top 16 in Engen’s Pitch & Polish. Beyond business, Kefentse empowers others through beauty business workshops and matric dance makeover sponsorships for underprivileged girls. “I know what it’s like to have big dreams but limited support,” she says.
One of my biggest role models is my mother. She grew up with very little, but her work ethic and determination were unmatched. She started her career in retail as a casual worker and eventually rose to become a cosmetics manager, building a stable and dignified life for our family. Watching her navigate challenges, show up for her children and still chase excellence taught me what it means to persevere. She planted the seed of independence and belief in me from a young age. I also look up to Bozoma Saint John, former CMO of Netflix. Her boldness, authenticity and ability to lead while staying true to herself have shown me that you can thrive in high-level spaces without shrinking your identity. I have had the privilege of learning from mentors and entrepreneurship programmes like Her Perfect Pitch and GIBS Road to Growth. The women I met in these spaces not only taught me business strategy, they reminded me to own my voice, refine my purpose and keep going even when things felt uncertain.