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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected] 

AFTER facing challenges with skin care issues throughout her teenage years and utilising products that altered her skin tone, Dorcas Maponga was inspired to formulate her own line of skin care solutions. Her aim was to cater specifically to the unique needs of African women and their diverse skin tones.

Maponga says that her skin care line is crafted to enhance, not change, the natural skin tone. The goal is to maintain the authentic complexion while imparting the desired radiance that many women seek.

The collection includes a variety of products, such as nourishing body lotions, refreshing shower gels, relaxing bath salts and rejuvenating face creams.

“Growing up I always had challenges with my skin care. Finding the perfect skin care products for your specific skin is really difficult because it’s either the product is not working or if it is it will be now changing your skin colour. So as a way of making it easy for every other woman in Africa I decided to make my own products,” said Maponga.

She shared that her husband, who also co-founded the company, was a pillar of support for her vision. Together, they collaborated closely to gain a deeper understanding of crafting their products, focusing on minimising the use of synthetic ingredients.

“I had to enrol to a lot of online classes and tutorials that helped me with my research on which products work for certain women with different skin tones and skin types. To perfect my skill and knowledge I enrolled for a course with an online class from an institution in India,” said Maponga.

She recounted that despite the extensive labour and numerous experiments required to perfect her product, her perseverance was rewarded. 

She expressed gratitude for her determination, which culminated in the successful registration of her company, Ice and Dee, a few years ago.

The manufacturer of skin care products mentioned that she sources her raw materials from Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa, tapping into the continent’s rich reserves. Africa is renowned for being a treasure trove of premium skin care ingredients, including the likes of baobab, shea butter, amarula, and argan oils, which are highly sought after for their exceptional qualities.

“I make all these products from home. I am still hopeful that I will grow one day and be able to move to a bigger manufacturing room,” said Maponga.

She reflected on the initial challenges she faced when introducing her products to the market. Convincing consumers to try a new brand was particularly tough, as there was a degree of scepticism towards products crafted in a small-scale, home-based setup.

“It was also difficult because from then I was working with only a few workers and the work can be a bit overwhelming at times. When I finally got the hang of it I hired more workers. I currently have twenty people on my payroll including those I have taught how to make the skin care products,” she said.

Maponga said that she effectively raised awareness about her brand by showcasing her products at local markets and leveraging the power of word-of-mouth recommendations.

“Businesspeople especially those who are still getting the hang of it and are new in the industry should make sure that they utilise market days and networking spaces because without those people will not know about you and you will not grow,” said Maponga.

Maponga’s journey, initially met with criticism, has now flourished into a thriving enterprise. Her business has expanded nationwide with a presence in Bulawayo, Harare, Kwekwe and Gweru, and it has also established a footprint with outlets in South Africa and the United Kingdom.

@flora_sibanda