By Koviao Matuzee

From hairstyling and catering to broader business ventures, Lolo Kambamba Karamata has built her entrepreneurial journey around passion, resilience and a close understanding of her clients’ needs.
A qualified hairstylist and chef, Karamata has expanded her businesses while also mentoring young people and pursuing opportunities to create a larger business hub that caters to multiple needs.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Who is the woman behind the entrepreneur?
A: I am Lolo Kambamba Karamata, a prominent multitasked businesswoman in Katutura. I am a qualified hairstylist by profession and a chef. I am the founder of Lolo Hair Salon and Lolo Kitchen, which is currently Lolo Investment CC. I am a well-focused, innovative, reliable, self-motivated and team-oriented businesswoman. The passion I have for the hair and food industries has played a big role in venturing into these industries. As a qualified hairstylist, I am proud of the confidence my clientele has in me. My previous experience of styling former Miss Namibia Michelle Heita in 2001 has really encouraged me and strengthened my confidence in my professionalism in the industry.
Q: What inspired you to become a multi-entrepreneur?
A: COVID-19 during the pandemic inspired me, when only essential businesses were allowed to operate. As my veins run business, I ventured into the food business, which continued operating alongside my hair salon. My clients’ demands and requests also played a major role.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge in this journey, and how did you overcome it?
A: Challenges go together with entrepreneurship, and I still face them. I have great client demand but still struggle with funds to run my business smoothly, and sometimes I cannot satisfy and supply enough of their needs. I have overcome this by working hard each day and providing my utmost services. You know the confidence everyone enjoys when their hair looks beautiful and is treated well. I always respect a person’s hairstyle and encourage them to choose what fits their face shape.

Q: As a woman in business, what does confidence mean to you?
A: It means a lot, as it serves as a critical asset for strategic growth, market intelligence and professional empowerment.
Q: How do you turn your ideas into successful ventures?
A: I studied for a Diploma in Bookkeeping at IUM and a Diploma in Business Administration at SBS, now Studio. I am planning to finish my degree soon. The main reason I studied is to have a successful and expanded business at a high level. By validating market demand, planning and organising, I have learned that most of our businesses fail because we want to own all the positions in our companies. As an experienced businesswoman who has gone through many hazards in life, as long as I am searching for great success, I will always make sure that I adhere to my clients’ demands. By researching and adapting to new ideas and through great team-building with other entrepreneurs, I ventured into a partnership with Evatelo Trading Market CC, where we are working hard to accommodate many businesses in the same place. Currently, we have a carwash, restaurant, conference area and entertainment area. Our idea is to own a complex with all customers’ needs.
Q: What has entrepreneurship taught you about yourself?
A: It has taught me the truth about my own resilience, limits and inner strength. By noticing the demands of clients and fixing those gaps, I focus on my failures and bounce back with new ideas. Lastly, remember the users of your business, the clients and listen to their complaints and solve them. I have learned to manage my business cash flow and budgeting by trying to manage it smoothly. I learned one thing in life: as long as you don’t respect money, it won’t respect you.
Q: What is one setback that ultimately made you stronger?
A: Yes, I am a human being and I have made mistakes, especially in the hair and food industries.
 They complain because they have different perspectives. For example, when you are trying to convince them of what fits their face shape and hair texture. It taught me the truth about my own resilience and capacity to handle situations and character.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are afraid to take the first step?
A: I will always advise women not to be afraid to face challenges and to start small. Take one step at a time. Comparison is a thief of all joy; instead, try to surround yourself with mentors in the business you want to venture into. Attend several occasions such as expos, business summits and trade events to explore. Find out the location and demand of potential customers. Let go of perfectionism. Your first attempt, draft or conversation doesn’t need to be flawless; it just needs to exist.
Q: When you look at the woman you are becoming, what makes you most proud?
A: Yes, I am very proud of myself. Through my knowledge and professionalism, I train a lot of youth today who now own their businesses, especially in the Single Quarters and Oshetu Market. I always tease them, “Say thank you to me!” I am not selfish at all. I like sharing ideas, and I am proud of who I am becoming. I trust in God’s blessings upon me. I dream big, take risks and lead with a purpose. I solve real problems, and I am so proud that my clients trust and believe in me.
Q: Lastly, what legacy do you want to leave through the businesses you build?
A: As all of us want to leave something named after us, we all know that one day we will leave the planet and want to be remembered. I would like to leave a training centre or a complex named after me, as well as a hair organisation, Lolo Complex of Beauty! I want to mix pioneering female entrepreneurship, cultural evolution and historical challenges with narrow or colonial standards.
