We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joy Khloe September. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joy Khloe below.

Joy Khloe , appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

The industry is heavily saturated with different natural hair products, each one claiming to do wonders respectfully, however the difference with mine is that its more affordable without having to take away the wonderful benefits of having a natural organic product, its both affordable and good quality, this is why it took me over 2 years of research before opening, I did this for the girls that think having their hair natural is to expensive and not possible in todays economy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well the main idea was finding ways to put food on the table for my children being a single parent, not forgetting the benefits of spending more time with my girls as I work from home on this dream. I was reminded a fews weeks ago as I was spring cleaning I found an old diary and I had written the vision down its like everything now is coming to fruition and its only the beginning. Looking back 3 years ago with all the sacrifices I’ve made not having the support I needed to start, it goes to show when GOD has given you a vision he will guide you every step of the way and ensure that everything written for you is fulfilled, lifting you up in his perfect timing even in front of the same people who may have doubted you. Coming from a community where success stories are rare and dreams are often dismissed, I wanted to show my daughters that your circumstances don’t define your future, its important for me to teach them that they can rise above any limitations, through my brand Golden Triangle Girl I aim to help woman embrace their natural beauty. Our products are designed to promote healthy, natural hair growth without harmful chemicals, addressing issues like hair loss, alopecia and stress related damage. beyond their benefits uplift and empower woman offering a sense of confidence and wellbeing. Its more than just haircare it about helping woman feel good inside out, the minute you open the product the smell is enough to uplift any mood. the most proud moment for me was launching my website, its been one of the greatest achievements after having my 2 beautiful curly headed little girls.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

All my life, I was raised to value submission and the roles expected of a woman in a traditional relationship—getting married at 22years old starting a family, and managing a home. I lived by what I had been taught by my parents, and I honor them for those teachings. However, I found myself in an abusive marriage, a reality I didn’t fully understand until I had to summon the courage to leave. Leaving was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but it was necessary for my mental health and well-being.

Once I left, I realized how little I knew about life outside of marriage or how to build something for myself. It was a daunting transition, but it also opened the door for me to pursue my vision and dreams. Just three months after leaving, with no money, barely any food, and relying on a social grant, I began working on my dream. During this time, I went two weeks surviving on nothing but coffee, hope, and determination.

Eventually, I got a call offering me a job at a call center. I didn’t have the money to get there, so I had to pawn some valuable belongings to afford the transportation for the interview. I got the job and was determined to use it as a stepping stone for my dream.

On my second day at work, I faced another challenge: I was robbed at gunpoint at 5 a.m. on my way to work. A gun was held to my head, and everything was taken from me—my phone, my week’s wages, my house keys, and even my lunch. That experience was terrifying, but it reinforced my determination to find a way to sustain myself and my children in a safer and more stable way.

Despite having a job, the salary was barely enough to cover basic needs, let alone fund my dream. I worked long hours, leaving home at 6 a.m. and returning around 9 p.m., which meant I saw my children for only 20 minutes a day. As a single parent, this weighed heavily on my mental health and created constant anxiety about their safety. Coming from the community I grew up in, where opportunities are scarce, and having two daughters to care for, the stakes felt even higher.

All of these struggles pushed me to continue working on my vision. I want to encourage anyone reading this to take the first step toward their dreams. Even when it seems impossible, trust that God will see you through. I’m proof of that. Despite everything I’ve been through—abuse, starvation, robbery, and countless challenges—I didn’t give up, and I didn’t die. Here I am, sharing my story, stronger and more determined than ever. If I can do it, so can you. One day when I remarry, it will be with someone atet will cherish me so I have not given up on marriage.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

The journey to fund my business was one of sacrifice and determination. From my call-center salary, I saved R500 every month and used it to gradually purchase everything I needed to start. For instance, I bought containers for my products and connected with a printer in Durban who was kind enough to let me pay later, even after completing my orders.

I made a lot of sacrifices along the way. I stopped buying new clothes and still wear the same broken shoes I’ve had for years. I lived on the bare minimum—chicken breast and other essentials—to stretch every rand as far as possible. I even distanced myself from friends who didn’t understand my vision or kept inviting me out when I couldn’t afford it. I kept my plans private until everything was in place because I wanted to stay focused and avoid distractions. With the changes I made with the circle of influence, this meant attracting destiny helpers whom I’m so grateful for to this day (shout out to you Sivu, MaryJane & Zee)

Every month, I invested a portion of my salary into my business, buying items one by one, step by step. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and the value of building something from the ground up. While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I’m still seeking additional funding to grow my business further. If anyone out there is willing to support this dream, I’d truly appreciate it. Thank you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goldentrianglegirl.shopstar.co.za/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_triangle_girl/profilecard/?igsh=MXQ0azN6M2pybmJ2Zw==
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_khloe_?_t=8s4xwCmA5qg&_r=1

Image Credits
Professional photos were taken by an upcoming photographer, Thabile Zee, others were taken by Sivu Galada