How Mulanga Muofhe Built a Skincare Brand for Africans – Amazon Fireside Chat with Robert Koen

In the first episode of Amazon South Africa’s Fireside Chat series, Robert Koen, Managing Director for Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, speaks with Mulanga Muofhe, the founder and owner of Mulanga Naturals. The conversation explores the journey of an entrepreneur who turned personal skincare challenges into an innovative natural skincare brand tailored to the needs of African consumers.

Mulanga shares the origins of her business, which she founded in 2016 and manufactures in Maitland, Cape Town. She discusses how her products address melanin-rich skin concerns using 100 percent natural and organic ingredients, and how her African heritage influences both her brand identity and product design.

The conversation delves into key aspects of her entrepreneurial experience, including the difficulties she faced in reaching the right audience and how platforms like Amazon helped her expand her customer base. She outlines how social media, e-commerce, and community engagement have been essential to her growth, and explains why involving customers in the product development process builds long-term trust and loyalty.

Robert Koen reflects on Amazon’s role in supporting South African entrepreneurs and highlights Mulanga’s story as an example of resilience and innovation. Together, they explore how young business owners can overcome early obstacles and turn a passion into a sustainable business.

The discussion concludes with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of starting small, building a community, and sharing your story authentically. Mulanga’s experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of starting a business in South Africa’s evolving online retail landscape.

Watch the full conversation to gain practical insights into e-commerce, brand development, and building a purpose-driven business in the skincare industry.