​Qaqambile Mdledle
After years of being unemployed, Phumzile Mthembu took a leap of faith that would see her own the first baby skincare brand in Thembisa, East Rand.
Under Ingcweti (Pty) Ltd, trading as PureB Baby Care, the company manufactures baby ointments using coconut oil as a primary ingredient. 
Phumzile started the company in 2018 after her son was diagnosed with skin irritation caused by eczema.
"After testing different kinds of products with fruitless results, I knew that something needed to replace them. It needed to be a natural skin-repairing that is gentle enough for everyday use. That was the birth of my company," says Phumzile.
With just R250 in her pocket, Phumzile ventured into business and today the company produces specially formulated hypoallergenic products that help repair and protect baby skin at the cellular level. This aids in soothing skin irritations such as eczema, ringworms and nappy rash.
PureB Baby Care was incubated at EKasi Lab in Thembisa. The eKasiLabs programme is an extension of The Innovation Hub's service offering disadvantaged young people entry points into the worlds of entrepreneurship.
Phumzile says the company is not only about repairing damaged skin.
"We also educate new parents and owners of childcare facilities - on skin conditions and how to treat them." 
With many Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has expanded its portfolio to produce hand sanitisers.
She attributes her successful entrepreneurial journey to collaborations.
"I have met individuals that I am willing to grow with. I've been recognized as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs of 2019 and I have since managed to supply at least three of our local pharmacies with our ointments." 
PureB Baby Care was also one of the 117 businesses that showcased the Absa Lionesses Xpo.
Phumzile, who has a vision of bringing more people out of unemployment, advises young people not to let a good idea go to waste. 
"As entrepreneurs, we need to keep going. As much as we want to sustain businesses, we need to keep looking up and making things happen."