Page 12 - Biz Magazine August 2019

We have selecting more information on Platinum BiZ Discussions: Did you start with a formal
Glow Kids in particular, what is the concept around business plan? if not, how did you lay the
the business. groundwork for your business?
Sibusisiwe: Back in 2007, I sought a hair salon
this is what sibusisiwe Kraai explains: that catered to my 3 year old daughter. Instead of
“From temper tantrums to agitated stylists, getting simply looking for the next best hair salon to go
a hairstyle is not always a great experience for a to, I discovered a business opportunity and started
kid. I realized this in the early 2000s, when I was doing her hair at home with my sister, Zama
hoping to find a salon that did things differently Kraai, who currently runs Liemagination Square
for myself and my daughter. Instead, I discovered Beauty Salon . At each salon I visited, the stylist
a business opportunity. Now, as founder and didn’t want to deal with my wiggling, squirming
owner of Platinum Glow Kids , I have created child and nephews. The cleanliness standards
a salon that not only caters to children, but were suboptimal, and there was no originality
blends entertainment with grooming, in order to in the design that would actually grasp my kids’
accommodate my young, restless clients.” attention. I did not write a business plan for the

BiZ Discussions: in a nutshell, what service salon. I focused on learning about the important
does your business provide? factors for such a business including kids, parents,
Sibusisiwe: Platinum Glow Kids is an innovative hair, demographics, and how to raise money to
child-focused salon and entertainment concept form a successful business.
that is turning an often unpleasant traditional One thing I did know was that that there had to be a
hair cutting or plaiting into a fun-filled, animated better way to do kids’ hair and create a captivating
adventure. The child salon provides friendly salon experience, rather than one that’s filled with
and knowledgeable staff, animated gadgets, tears. Before launching my Platinum Glow Kids
educational computer games and a character- salon in mid-February 2019 , I knew I wanted to
filled entertaining environment geared to creating create a brand that would be synonymous with
an enjoyable hairstyling experience. quality children’s hair care, all surrounded within

BiZ Discussions: How long have you been in a welcoming and entertaining environment.
business? Everything about Platinum Glow Kids would be
Sibusisiwe: Platinum Glow Kids recently proprietary and wholesome: the Platinum Glow
celebrated its 5th anniversary and plans to be the Kids characters, the games and stories, the books,
market leader in the children’s sector of the hair at the end of a visit and an all-natural line of hair
care industry delivering top-quality hairstyles and care products specially formulated just for kids.
haircuts in a safe, clean and friendly environment.

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