The rise of The San Hair with FNB by her side
In the South African hair industry, few names carry the weight and credibility of The San Hair. But before it became a national brand with its own factory, a skilled team and a loyal following, it was the vision of Nompumelelo 'Mpumie' Madubedube, a young woman with a sharp eye for quality and an even sharper instinct for business.
What started as her hustle quickly evolved into a proudly local business built on purpose, strategy and the power of partnership. This is the story of how bold thinking, customer obsession and the right support from FNB helped turn a small idea into a thriving enterprise.
Disrupting the hair market since 2014
Mpumie launched The San Hair from something many of us have whispered while shopping for hair, 'Why is this so expensive?'. That simple thought sparked an idea to create a more affordable, accessible alternative in the premium hair market. In 2014, the brand entered the market with a clear mission to offer luxury hair at accessible prices. Two years later, The San Hair opened its very own factory in Midrand, gaining complete control over production, customisation and turnaround time.
Rather than following trends, The San Hair started setting them. The factory setup allowed them to tailor their offering to clients' needs in real-time, a key differentiator in a crowded, fast-moving market.
Rooted in customer experience
From day one, Mpumie understood that a beautiful product wasn't enough. The San Hair had to deliver a premium experience. In an industry where black women were often overlooked, she made it her business to create spaces where clients felt valued, seen and empowered.
That client-first thinking still drives the brand today. From personalised consultations to aftercare, The San Hair continues to lead the way in redefining the ethnic salon experience.
Weathering industry challenges with FNB
Growth doesn't come without its fair share of challenges. As The San Hair scaled, they faced intense competition from cheaper imported products and barriers to entry in high-footfall retail spaces, where malls often limit tenancy to just one salon per site. That meant having to act fast and decisively when opportunities arose..
This is where FNB played a vital role.
When The San Hair needed quick access to capital to secure new premises, FNB Commercial Property Finance stepped in. For everyday operations, overdraft facilities gave them breathing room during slow retail cycles. And as the business began selling to a broader customer base, FNB Merchant Services and SID Instant EFT helped streamline payments and ensure fast, secure transactions.
With a growing demand from international customers, FNB Forex made cross-border transactions seamless, while FNB Investments helped The San Hair structure their earnings smartly for long-term sustainability. They also leaned into FNB Life, protecting what they were building along the way.
Currently, The San Hair is in the process of securing WesBank ABF Finance to further support their vehicle needs, an essential part of expanding logistics and supply capabilities.
Pivots that paid off
The San Hair wasn't always a consumer-facing brand. Initially, the plan was to manufacture for other salons, but as market realities set in, the business pivoted. Focusing on direct-to-client offerings proved more sustainable and scalable. This strategic shift, along with a customer-first mindset, saw bookings multiply and the team grow.
With this growth came job creation, something of which the brand is especially proud. Many of the women who started out working at The San Hair, including family members, have since gone on to start businesses of their own.
The Power of Partnership
Mpumie credits FNB not just for offering banking services, but for acting like a true business partner. From her first interaction, she felt seen and supported. Her business banker, in particular, became an invaluable part of The San Hair's journey, always accessible, always responsive, and always ready to find solutions.
Where other banks were rigid or reactive, FNB was proactive and adaptive. Whether it was bridging cash flow gaps, investing in growth, or helping her navigate complex retail decisions, FNB was never just ticking boxes; it was invested in the vision.
What's next for The San Hair?
The San Hair is just getting started. With plans to expand the franchise footprint and boost the retail availability of the product line, the business is looking beyond the salon floor and into homes, beauty bars and online carts across the country.
Mpumie's vision is for The San Hair to become South Africa's most trusted and loved hair brand, empowering women, creating jobs, and championing local excellence.
And as she chases this vision, she won't be doing it alone. With FNB by her side, offering solutions, support, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, The San Hair is taking unstoppable to a whole new level.
For more information on The San Hair please visit: https://thesanhair.com/
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