JOHANNESBURG – Bloemfontein-born entrepreneur Natacia McKenzie's love for travelling has spawned a business idea – she has decided to bring the glamorous clothes and accessories spotted during trips abroad for resale back home, giving local women access to the latest global fashion they might otherwise only see in magazines.
Having travelled to Dubai, China ,Hong Kong and Bali, to name a few places, McKenzie has set up Royal Blush boutique with the aim of bringing global fashion home.
"I travel often and being the lady I am, take pictures and send them straight to my friends. The circle I keep always have endless questions about where I shop for certain pieces and that's what got me thinking," says McKenzie.
Natacia McKenzie uses social media to advertise the clothes she brings from abroad for resale to local women. PHOTO: Supplied
"I saw an opportunity of actually buying trendy clothes overseas and bringing them back to South Africa."
McKenzie has some basic advice for the hundreds of South Africans who have failed to transform their ideas into actual businesses due to lack of funds: "save your own money".
McKenzie made the decision to draw on her own resources to get Royal Blush going, a long and arduous process which was, however, well worth it in the end.
"I raised the money to start this business through savings," she said. "I saved for a very long time while I was managing a family business."
For now, Royal Blush operates via social media and by word of mouth. McKenzie has a simple, but effective operating system where she posts pictures of the clothes and accessories she believes will appeal to South African women on Instagram (@royalblush_01) and accepts orders via the platform.
Natacia McKenzie uses social media to advertise the clothes she brings from abroad for resale to local women. PHOTO: Supplied
A big coup was when popular South African actress and television Nonhle Thema host wore an outfit from Royal Blush during an appearance on the local Trending SA TV programme.
"What sets me apart is that I am between two worlds. I understand South African trends and needs so it makes it easier for me to get exactly what my clients need from overseas when it comes to fashion," says McKenzie, who is now hard at work getting a physical store up and running to showcase her clothes.