FROM a humble lockdown hustle, Sasha-Leigh Frantz from Kuils River has transformed her passion for haircare into a thriving business.
Together with her husband, Mario Frantz, the couple is set to unveil The Hair Cartel’s first retail store at the popular Access Park in Bellville, scheduled to open on 1 July.
Founded in 2020 amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Hair Cartel started as a home-based venture on Sasha-Leigh’s mother’s property.
Entrepreneur Sasha-Leigh explained: “I always had a passion for hair but not the patience to physically do multiple heads in a day.
“But I loved and still love doing research and experimenting on my own hair mostly, as well as others like my sister, sister-in-law and friends.
“After a few years went by and researching and also learning from others, I then decided to start my very own brand, while having my amazing husband by my side every step of the way.”
And just like that, they birthed The Hair Cartel in 2020. But it was still a battle to get the product and brand off the ground.
Sasha-Leigh shared the process, saying: “During Covid lockdown, most businesses were closed as well as salons as it was not part of the ‘important operations’.
“My husband and I contacted a manufacturing company and then briefed them on what we wanted with our products and later received our quotation and made payment.
“From that moment, we registered our business and received our samples two weeks later. Then after approval we were ready to start.
“For the past five years, we have had agents all over South Africa marketing and selling to salons. Today we have 60 agents doing their absolute best to get our brand out there.”
The Hair Cartel offers a range of different sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners suitable for all hair types - from stylhare to kroeskopppe.
They also have leave-in conditioners, hair masques, hair growth products, protectors, sealants for after styling, curl products and many more.
Products come in various sizes from 40ml to 100L and they also offer business starter kits that include everything you need from as little as R300.
Find Sasha-Lee, Mario and the Hair Cartel at Bellville Access Park shop 27 on 1 July.