By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – In 2016, Relebohile Rapulane embarked on a journey that would transform not only her life but also the beauty landscape in Lesotho.
Starting with limited resources and a strong drive, she founded Brow and Lash Bar, a business now celebrated for its specialized eyebrow and eyelash services.
This journey from humble beginnings was fuelled by her passion for beauty and a mission to help women feel more confident through well-crafted beauty enhancements.
Rapulane’s story started with training in microblading; a semi-permanent makeup technique for eyebrows and shortly afterward, she pursued training in natural lash extensions. Limited financial resources meant she had to begin working from home, without the luxury of a dedicated studio space.
Despite the challenges, she was determined to succeed. “When I was starting, I used to pray to God to provide me with one client per day,” she shares. She took to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google to advertise her services. With each post and word-of-mouth referral, her clientele grew. Eventually, she saved enough to rent a studio in Borokhoaneng’s MNA Business Complex, marking a major milestone in her business journey.
Her inspiration for the business came from a personal struggle – her own bushy eyebrows. Frustrated with local salons that couldn’t shape her brows to her satisfaction, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She learned about micro-shading, which was then relatively unknown in Lesotho, and saw an opportunity to introduce the technique locally.
“I wanted to offer services that weren’t readily available in my community, and to help other women feel beautiful and confident,” she says.
Since then, Brow and Lash Bar has expanded its offerings, specializing in a range of eyebrow and eyelash services, including microblading, ombre brows, machine hair strokes, henna tint, eyebrow shaping, natural lash extensions, hybrid and volume lash extensions, and bottom lash extensions. These services cater to a diverse range of clients, including those who prefer natural enhancements and those who appreciate a more glamorous look.
As her clientele grew, so did the demands of the business. Initially, she worked by appointment, a system she continues to favour because of the precision and focus required for each service. “I grew from praying for one client a day to seeing two or three clients, and now I even host training sessions,” Rapulane shares. She trains others who want to start their own beauty businesses, teaching them the intricacies of brow and lash work and sharing industry knowledge to help them thrive independently.
However, training comes with its own set of challenges. Rapulane notes, “One of the major challenges I face is training people to do lashes, but once they learn, they quit to start their own businesses. The chain never ends.” Still, she finds fulfilment in knowing that she’s contributing to job creation and entrepreneurship in Lesotho.
Like many business owners, Rapulane has faced a variety of hurdles. She initially tried hosting pop-ups to increase brand exposure but found the time demands were too taxing. Her solution was to hire an employee, a decision that has lightened her workload and allowed her to focus on expanding Brow and Lash Bar further. Rapulane is continuously refining her skills by attending customer service workshops to ensure her clients receive the best experience possible.
“My goal is for Brow and Lash Bar to grow into a franchise, with trained artists in each branch and a steady stream of students coming in for training. I want to provide stability not only for my business but also for the industry,” she says.
Her vision includes a line of dependable beauty products and equipment to support her services, enhancing the consistency and quality of Brow and Lash Bar.
Rapulane’s journey has taught her valuable lessons, most of which she’s eager to share with upcoming beauty professionals. She advises aspiring artists to prioritize their goals and understand the responsibilities of working in the beauty field, particularly when it comes to safety and product quality. “Our line of work is very delicate since we’re dealing with clients’ eyes. It’s essential to know what you’re doing and to start small,” she says. “Don’t wait until you have all the money. Patience and gradual growth are key.”
What Rapulane loves most about her work is that every day brings something new to learn. From mastering new beauty techniques to improving client interactions, her journey is one of continuous growth and adaptation. Brow and Lash Bar is now a testament to her hard work, faith, and resilience, symbolizing how a small start can lead to great success.