My biggest goal for 2022 is collaboration. This year I aim to familiarise myself with creatives who I share a similar vision with. It’s so important for me that anyone working in the beauty industry is better represented in the creative industry.
I aim to push the narrative that ‘BEAUTY IS ART’ this year more than ever. I really do aim at creating a safe community for beauty artists through Nailed Ntswembu and BraidedByGods. Collaboration is the name of the game.
Photograph by Mpumelelo Mkwanazi
Sista Ntswembu seems to be the name on everyone’s lips – being mentioned within all corners of the local creative industry. The self-professed ‘Nail Pimp’ also possesses “fingers that have perfected the task of bringing unity to coarse, coily, unruly strands” – a fitting description of her work as a hair artist as well. But what is it about her, specifically, which makes the work so special? I found this interview to be an interesting way of finding out the answer to this exact question.
Naledi Thabo, also known as Sista Ntswembu, is an emerging nail technician and hair artist based in Johannesburg. Her work is undeniably brilliant, plus her energy literally screams badass – an effective combination for an independent femme making her way as an entrepreneur within the creative industry.
Image Courtesy of Braided by Gods
Most of her following, and client base, has been amassed through her artistry as a nail technician. Providing a plethora of customised nail designs to all genders, she has an extremely unique take on nail art – opting for a more colourful, playful, exciting, unisex and accessorised approach to her nails.
Her nail salon is located in Shop 27, 289 Fox Street, Maboneng Lifestyle Centre, Jeppestown, 2043 – no appointments just yet though as this contemporary local nail salon prefers walk-in clients for now.
I had the privilege of virtually interviewing Sista Ntswembu in order to understand where she obtains her style from, the importance of her work as a nail technician and hair artist, navigating the industry as an independent femme entrepreneur, future plans for her two businesses, and much more.
Photograph by Mpumelelo Mkwanazi
Would you mind introducing yourself and including a short description of how you got into the business of being a nail technician and hair artist?
Sista Ntswembu: So I’m Naledi Thabo, better known as Sista Ntswembu in these streets and I’m a Joburg-based nail and hair artist born and bred in Soweto, Kasi lama Kasi. My journey as a nail and hair artist is honestly something which I stumbled upon. As a kid, I always enjoyed braiding my Barbie dolls’ hair and by the time I hit high school I started getting really good at it and used that as an opportunity to make extra cash.
That’s how BraidedByGods came about. Something in me wanted to fully explore the beauty industry and nails had begun to be an obsession! In no time, I went on to become a self-taught nail technician in early 2021.
Image Courtesy of Braided by Gods
Why Sista Ntswembu? I sense a fully-loaded story behind this nickname…
Sista Ntswembu: The name Sista Ntswembu was given [to me] by a very close friend of in 2019. He started calling me Sista Ntswembu frequently and the name just had a contagious effect on everyone who knew me and thought I was deserving of the name.
For anyone who grew up ekasi, the name Sista Ntswembu is often given to the coolest girl in the hood. The ghetto fabulous sista with an undeniably effortless swag to her. “Tse Ntswembu tse blind” – that stuff that just can’t be bought! And ever since then I’ve lived to embody what it really means to be Ntswembu, fully, inside out!
Photograph by Linda Zulu
Personally, I have been following your work for a bit of time now and I can safely say that you are one of my favourite local nail technicians and hair artists. What inspires you to do what you do?
Sista Ntswembu: All my life I’ve been fascinated by the beauty industry and viewed it as such an elite form of art and that’s exactly what inspired me. There’s so much creativity embedded in every nail tech and hairstylist’s mind. I was dying to tap into a bit of my own creativity. I’m immensely inspired by what I see on a daily – women don’t take their looks lightly!
The streets are flooded with beautiful women who find themselves in the hands of hair/nail artists whom they trust to make them look good. That’s what truly inspires me. Everyday ordinary people living their ordinary lives and want to look good whilst doing it.
Photograph by Mpumelelo Mkwanazi
In stark contrast to most older conventional nail salons, you prefer walk-ins instead of clients setting appointments – why is that the case?
Sista Ntswembu: Because I’m relatively new in the nail game, most of my time has been dedicated to growing my customer base, and allowing walk-in clients is the perfect way to do that. A first-come, first-served policy always allows me to manage my time properly without the stress of no-pitch or late clients.
However, I’ve definitely gotten more confident in the client base I’ve slowly formed and may be open to taking appointments alongside a website to make everything easier for me and the client. Soon come!
Photography by Mpumelelo Mkwanazi
Your nail and hair customisation is insanely good – and you can just tell that your work is inspired by your wealth of personal style and taste. What are some of your references when it comes to your personal style?
Sista Ntswembu: A lot of my hair and nail work is definitely influenced by my own personal style. Hair, beauty and fashion really all coexist. My personal style is referenced from a lot of streetwear with a bit of ready-to-wear, high-end vintage – my love for thrift is definitely to blame for this – and colour, lots and lots of it!
The ghetto fabulous aesthetic is also definitely influenced by the Amapantsula subculture. I’m really a free-flow when it comes to my own personal style. If I feel good in it, then the rest is history
Image Courtesy of Braided by Gods
Do you handle all of the client work by yourself or is there a team/collaborators which assist you?
Sista Ntswembu: For now I work alone with no assistants or additional staff, simply because I’m still starting off and don’t need the extra help as yet. But I definitely can’t wait for Nailed Ntswembu and BraidedByGods to expand and become large enough to employ extra hands and grow the vision.
What are some of your future aspirations for both of your business ventures in 2022 going forward?
Sista Ntswembu: My biggest goal for 2022 is collaboration. This year I aim to familiarise myself with creatives who I share a similar vision with. It’s so important for me that anyone working in the beauty industry is better represented in the creative industry. I aim to push the narrative that “BEAUTY IS ART” this year more than ever. I really do aim at creating a safe community for beauty artists through Nailed Ntswembu and BraidedByGods. Collaboration is the name of the game!
Photograph by Ofentse Ntuli
