Every Sunday we share the story of someone who started with little, but ended up big. Today: Herman Mashaba, a South African entrepreneur who in a time of apartheid created a cosmetics company that empowered black Africans. His journey from poverty to a successful business empire shows that you can break barriers with courage and smart ideas.
A tough start in a township
Herman Mashaba was born on Aug. 26, 1959, in Hammanskraal, a township north of Pretoria, South Africa. At the time, black people lived under apartheid, a system that gave them few rights. His family was poor; his mother worked as a housekeeper and his father died when Herman was young. Despite the poverty, Herman was determined. He excelled in school, but lack of money prevented him from continuing his studies.
At 20, he moved to Johannesburg, where he held small jobs such as salesman and factory worker. He saw how black women struggled to find hair and skin products that suited them because major brands catered to white customers. This gave him an idea: create a cosmetics company for black Africans, something almost unthinkable in the 1980s under apartheid.
"If the world doesn't give you a chance, make one yourself." Herman Mashaba
The breakthrough: a cosmetics company for black Africans
In 1985, at the age of 25, Herman founded Black Like Me, a company that made hair and skin products for black consumers. He started small, with a loan of 30,000 rand (about $2,000 at the time) and a rented garage as a factory. Together with a friend, a chemist, he developed products such as hair relaxers and creams that were affordable and worked for African hair. It was a risk: apartheid restricted black entrepreneurs, and banks wouldn't lend him money.
Herman sold his products door to door in townships and slowly built a customer base. His big break came when local stores began selling Black Like Me. In the 1990s, after the end of apartheid, the business grew rapidly. Herman exported his products to countries in Africa and beyond, such as the United Kingdom. Black Like Me became a symbol of pride and economic strength for black Africans. In 2004, he sold part of the company, but remained involved. Today, Black Like Me is still a well-known brand, and Herman's wealth is estimated at tens of millions of dollars, a rare success for a black entrepreneur at the time.
His mindset: breaking barriers with courage
Herman's success came from his determination. Under apartheid, he was often held back, but he always found a way to continue. When banks turned him down, he saved money himself. When stores didn't want his products, he convinced them with his passion. He learned from every setback, like when an early batch of products failed. "Mistakes make you stronger," he said.
He also believed in empowering his community. Black Like Me was more than a business; it gave black Africans products that celebrated their beauty. Herman hired local workers and supported small businesses because he knew the importance of opportunity. His approach, starting small and dreaming big, inspires entrepreneurs worldwide.
"Success is not what you have, but what you give others."
His impact: creating pride and opportunity
Black Like Me changed the cosmetics market in Africa. It gave black consumers, especially women, products made for them, and created jobs for hundreds of people, from factory workers to salespeople. By exporting to other countries, Herman brought South African products to the global market. His work enabled economic growth for communities that had long been excluded.
Herman also gave back. He supported charities, such as education and entrepreneurship programs in South Africa, and helped young people start their own businesses. His efforts gave hope to a generation growing up in a time of inequality, and showed that success is possible no matter what your background.
Why he is less well known
Herman Mashaba is not a global star like tech billionaires. He worked in the cosmetics market, a sector that gets less attention than technology, and stayed focused on Africa. His modesty and focus on results rather than fame make him a quiet force, but his impact on black entrepreneurs and the manufacturing sector is enormous.
What we learn from him
Make your own way even if no one believes you.
Herman Mashaba started with little, but built an empire through courage and clever ideas. His story shows that you can break barriers with determination and a heart for others. What is your next step to make your dream come true?
