Phumulile Mkhonza

What does your company do?

PSD Scent Perfumes specializes in the manufacturing of personal body, home and car care products. We manufacture products such as perfumes, tissue oils, body butter, fragranced body lotions, natural home reed diffusers, pillow & linen sprays and scented car-air fresheners. We are a manufacturer and a wholesaler.

What is your biggest success?

1.National and international footprint: We have active distributors across the country (South Africa) and our footprint extends to "Swaziland, Mozambique and recently Nigeria." This demonstrates significant geographical reach in a relatively short time. 2. We have exhibited at The Business Show Africa (one of the biggest business shows) for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). 3. We have purchased our first delivery vehicle cash in October 2024. 4. Support from government programmes : The founder, Phumulile Mkhonza, received R671,000 from the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier's Youth Development Fund Programme in 2022. This type of financial support shows a recognized potential for growth and success for the business. 5. Receiving financial support from a Pan African Organization such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation - the business received seed capital worth R90 000 towards growing the business in Africa. 6

What has been your biggest hurdle?

1. Digital marketing and online sales- while network marketing relies on personal selling, having a strong online presence and effective digital marketing strategies is crucial in today's market. Convincing consumers to buy fragrances online without being able to "smell" them is a specific challenge in the business. 2. The fragrance market is dynamic, with consumer preferences constantly evolving. Staying current with trends, developing new scents, and adapting marketing strategies to appeal to changing tastes is an ongoing challenge. 3.As a perfume manufacturer, sourcing high-quality raw materials, dealing with potential supply chain disruptions, and managing fluctuating costs (especially for imported ingredients) is a significant hurdle. 4.The perfume industry, especially in South Africa, is highly competitive, with both established international brands and a growing number of local independent and network marketing companies. Standing out and maintaining market share is a continuous challenge.