By Rinelda Mouton
Growing up in the small mining town of Rosh Pinah, self-employed entrepreneur Ester Shitaleni, popularly known as Ndevlisha said she always had big dreams. She later realised that jobs in Namibia are scarce and decided to sharpen her skills and turn them into a source of income. She opened Ndevalisha’s Beaty Mark in 2020, and has not looked back ever since.
Q: Tell us more about your life growing up?
A: Im my parents first daughter. I grew up in the small mining town of Rosh Pinah. I am quiet by nature, but quietly bold. I was a young girl with big dreams. Growing up I learned to appreciate simple things and the value of hard work. I am family-oriented and try to balance my home responsibilities, studies and business. My upbringing taught me to be respectful, responsible, hardworking and willing to learn.
Q: Tell us more about your occupation?
A: I order items and sell them. I sell clothes, shoes, style wigs, and do hair. I hold a diploma in Lifelong Learning and Community Education and I’m currently completing my honours. Passionate about fashion and beauty, I combine hands-on creativity with academic learning to grow my business and serve my community.
Q: How did you get into this occupation?
A: Jobs are scarce, so I decided to sharpen my skills and turn them into a source of income. By investing in training and hands-on experience, I transformed a challenge into an opportunity.
Q: What does doing this job mean to you?
A: It means a great deal to me. I have the platform to boost another woman’s confidence through art. I’m now an independent woman pursuing my goals with confidence and purpose. I meet many people with different expectations, so I make sure to give every customer my very best.
Q: How did your interest in this career start?
A: I grew up with a good sense of fashion and beauty. When I moved to Windhoek, I noticed the beauty market was booming. Whenever I did my own hair installations or wigs, people asked where I had them done. When I told them I had done them myself, they started asking me to do theirs, same with clothes and shoes. So I began ordering items for customers.
Q: Tell us about the growth of your business over the years?
A: I started my hair and clothing business in 2020 after realising that I could use my skills and creativity to create an opportunity for myself. It began on a small scale, and I learned through experience how to manage customers, finances and marketing. The business has grown gradually, and every challenge has helped me become a more confident and capable entrepreneur.
Q: Working in this industry, what are some of the things that you have learned that you did not know before?
A: Each customer is different, and I always try to be understanding. As a business owner, I apologise when I am wrong. By working in this industry I am not only self-employed, but also create jobs by hiring and empowering employees.
Q: What type of person would you describe yourself as?
A: I sing with a praise and worship team and love lifting hearts through music. I believe in myself because everything starts with you. I strongly believe in women’s empowerment not just through speeches, but by teaching practical skills that improve daily life. I value working smart and working hard.
Q: What is the best advice you have received thus far, please tell us more about this?
A: With self-discipline and focus, you can achieve your goals no matter how long it takes. Persist with purpose, and every small step will bring you closer to success.
Q: What advice do you have for other women?
A: Don’t just identify problems and gaps, solve them and close those gaps. It is important to acknowledging your weaknesses and actively work to improve them. I would encourage people to start with what you have and do not wait for everything to be perfect. Understand your customers, remain consistent and learn from your mistakes. Entrepreneurship is challenging, but patience and determination can help you grow.
Q: What can be done to improve the industry that you work in?
A: Young people need more access to affordable funding, business training, mentorship and marketing support. Business expos, local markets and online platforms could also help small businesses reach more customers.
Q: From your life experiences, what do you want other people to learn from?
A: Love yourself, but stay humble. Care for yourself without becoming self-centered, and spread your bets. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: I am my own role model, built on the foundation my mother laid in my life. She is strong, hardworking and supportive. She taught me to stay humble, respect others and never give up. I am also inspired by women entrepreneurs who succeed despite limited resources.
Q: Working in this industry what challenges do you experience?
A: One of my biggest challenges is getting enough money to grow the business. It can be difficult to access funding, buy materials and advertise my services. Balancing my business, studies and personal responsibilities can also be stressful, but I remind myself that success takes time. I try to overcome challenges. I stay focused and remind myself why I started. When problems arise, I look for practical solutions, ask for advice and remain open to learning. I manage my money carefully, avoid unnecessary expenses and stay patient. I believe that persistence and hard work will help me grow the business.
