Driven by Purpose. Powered by Resilience.

Remarkable South African entrepreneur, Ntsoaki Ledimo embodies the true essence of strength and purpose. The philanthropist and cancer survivor has transformed her personal struggles into a powerful force for good. Through her passion for fashion, community development and healthcare, she continues to uplift and inspire those around her.

Her extraordinary journey, which is driven by purose stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and exemplifies what it means to live a life driven by purpose, passion, and service to others. She attributes much of her strength and success to the unwavering support of her husband, Dr. Letsie Ledimo, and their two children, Neo and Reabetsoe. Beyond her family, Ntsoaki remains deeply committed to mentoring young women entrepreneurs, helping them harness their potential and build sustainable futures.

Determined to Thrive

The Inspiration Behind the Company

Ntsoaki Ledimo was born and raised in Welkom, Free State, surrounded by loving parents and siblings. Her formative years were marked by a close bond with her mother, from whom she learned essential life values such as tidiness, service, and a shared passion for cooking. This foundation instilled a strong drive and ambition in Ntsoaki, motivating her to explore her identity and aspirations.

A Diverse Career Path

Cooking is Ntsoaki's love language, and it reflects her caring nature. From family gatherings to culinary adventures in local communities during her travels, her skill in the kitchen led her to open a successful restaurant in Rustenburg. Not just a manager, she also served as the head chef, crafting signature dishes that attracted both locals and dignitaries alike.

With a spirit of wanderlust, Ntsoaki pursued her education in Bloemfontein, where she developed her business acumen and fashion sense. Her career took her overseas to the UK, where she gained experience in prestigious retail companies like Alders, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer. Upon her return to South Africa, she invested over 20 years with leading retail groups such as Foschini and AVI Spitz, successfully launching brands like Edcon and Topshop.

Friendship-Fueled Ventures

With a business acumen that cannot be denied, Ntsoaki has built a diverse portfolio of investments in property, lifestyle, and hospitality. She co-founded the luxury perfume brand CBNL with business partner and friend, Carol Bouwer.

The luxury perfume offers exclusive fragrances such as CBNL Just Me and CBNL Fidelity. Their collaboration also extends to premium leather bags and various projects related to Miss World South Africa.

Fashion, community and Influence

Regarded as a "walking mannequin," Ntsoaki is passionate about fashion and often champions South African designers. Her extensive wardrobe is a testament to her support for local talent, reflecting her commitment to uplifting homegrown fashion. This dedication has also sparked her interest in styling, further solidifying her presence in the fashion industry.

Through her multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses, Ntsoaki Ledimo continues to inspire those around her. Her journey exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and community support in shaping a successful and meaningful life.

I have started a fashion brand house called SNL, which stands for Styled by Ntsoaki Ledimo. This has become my beautiful passion project that doubles as a purpose and something that has helped me focus on something else rather than troubling health issues.

Ntsoaki, ever the businesswoman who knows opportunity when it knocks at her door, has started a fashion brand house called SNL, which stands for Styled by Ntsoaki Ledimo.

This has become her beautiful passion project and doubles as a purpose and something that has helped her shift her focus away from troubling health issues to something productive, which has in turn helped her healing.

The SNL Foundation Mission

Through SNL Foundation, Ntsoaki Ledimo has identified a few organisations within the Free State that do amazing work within Cancer Research and is raising funds to help these initiatives. One of the great projects is the Black Women Arise Women’s Health Organisation, run by Sebabatso Tsaoane from Bloemfontein, a professional nurse, lecturer and specialist in women’s reproductive health.

Black Woman Arise has already managed to procure a mobile clinic that helps communities within

Bloemfontein and together they are doing the groundwork in trying to solicit funding for more mobile trucks.

Philanthropy is something that’s been a constant theme in Ntsoaki’s life.

She does great work supporting US-born businesswoman Malaak Compton-Rock, who runs a great project on the African continent called AngelRock Project South Africa, which empowers young girls from previously disadvantaged communities.

Ntsoaki also works closely with businesswoman and friend Yolanda Miya, supporting her NPO called Raise The Children, which works to radically change the lives of orphans in South Africa by educating and empowering them and providing mentorship programmes.

Ntsoaki’s SNL Foundation is undertaking a great initiative this July. On Mandela Day July 18th they’re taking the former President’s message to heart, that it’s in our hands now. Through her love and passion for fashion, Ntsoaki Ledimo’s SNL will partner with Bathini Designs and House of Olé to design original, exclusive couture that will be auctioned for charity.

“The proceeds from the auction, which will also include auctioning of art work from House of Olé as well as former President Nelson Mandela’s Presidential Suite from sanctuary Mandela, will all go towards supporting organizations like Black Women Arise,” she adds.

Looking towards a hopeful future

Her new excitement is growing her SNL brand, seeing her couture in major retailers in South Africa and taking a proudly South African brand globally. This is what formulates her gratitude for life, showing up for herself and showing up for others.

It's the sum of all the love from people in her life that inspires Ntsoaki to continue sharing love with others. Through every loss she has experienced, she has found a way to heal through being there for others. This is why her project falls on Mandela Day, because the principles of the day are all about being there for others, even if for 67 minutes.

Ntsoaki plans to make the event an annual platform that continues to inspire and empower. And she calls on anyone who believes that we are all a community and you’ll never know when it’s your turn to need help, so before that happens, help others.

Here are the details for making any donation to the SNL Foundation:

Bank Acc No: FNB 631-362-82439

Email: Ntsoaki_25@icloud.com

IG: @Ntsoaki_25