In the modern economic landscape, the traditional career path is rapidly evolving. Today, young professionals are increasingly refusing to be boxed into a single identity. Instead, they choose to build multi-faceted lives that merge distinct passions.
One such individual is 26-year-old Phiwayinkhosi Lindelwa Jele, a proudly Swati woman who has successfully managed to balance the rigorous demands of medical training with the creative flair of entrepreneurship. Born and raised in the close-knit community of Mliba, Jele attributes her core values to the solid foundation of her upbringing.
The lessons she le-arnt during her childhood have remained central to her personal philosophy. “Growing up in such a close-knit community shaped my values, character and outlook on life.
“One of the most treasured parts of my childhood was spending school holidays at my grandmother’s home alongside my cousins and grandparents. Those moments were filled with love, laughter, storytelling and valuable life lessons that continue to guide me today,” Jele reflects.
This deep-seated compassion eventually led her to the healthcare sector, a field requiring immense emotional fortitude and dedication. However, her entry into the professional world as a recent university graduate carries a broader significance for her, representing both personal victory and a milestone for young women in academia.
“Recently graduating from varsity as woman means resilience, growth and overcoming challenges to achieve my goals. It is a reminder of the strength women carry in both academic and professional spaces and it motivates me to continue striving for success while inspiring other young women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams,” she explained.
Her path was never linear, driven by two seemingly parallel desires: an urge to heal and a passion for artistic expression. Rather than choosing one over the other, she decided to pursue both simultaneously, utilising the beauty industry as a vehicle for financial independence.
Her decision to study nursing came from her passion for helping people, as well as her long-standing desire to pursue a career in the healthcare field.
“Becoming a nail technician came into the picture because of my love for art and creativity. It was also a step towards becoming more independent. The income I’ve earned from doing nails has played a significant role in shaping who I am today and helping me get to where I am. I truly appreciate each and every one of my clients for their continuous support,” she stated.
The journey of establishing her business was equally unconventional. Initiated during the height of the global pandemic, the venture required resourcefulness and a digital-first approach to fundraising. “My nail business started during the COVID-19 era while I was still at home applying for university,” Jele shares.
“A friend of mine introduced me to WhatsApp gifting and through that, I managed to raise the capital to start my nail business. I am also a self-taught nail technician and I learnt most of my skills through watching YouTube tutorials and constantly practicing to improve my craft,” said the beauty.
The early days of entrepreneurship brought structural and operational hurdles, particularly given the strict lockdowns and the steep learning curve of a self-taught practitioner.
“One of the hardest parts in the beginning was building a clientele,” she admits. She was still a beginner at the time and would occasionally receive complaints from clients, but she truly appreciates those experiences because they helped sharpen her skills and pushed her to improve.
Another challenge was that she started off as a mobile nail technician and during COVID restrictions, travelling to clients was not always easy. Despite the challenges, she still managed to make it work and continued pushing forward.
Managing two highly demanding schedules required meticulous planning and absolute clarity regarding her immediate objectives.
Jele had to compartmentalise her time rigidly to ensure that neither her business nor her patients suffered.
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