Remarkable South African Entrepreneur, Ntsoaki Ledimo: A Beacon of Strength and Purpose

Determined to Thrive

Businesswoman Ntsoaki Ledimo has built a diverse portfolio of investments in property, lifestyle, and hospitality including co-founding the luxury perfume brand CBNL with business partner and friend, Carol Bouwer.

The Inspiration Behind the Company

Ntsoaki Ledimo embodies resilience and purpose. Born and raised in Welkom, Free State, she was surrounded by loving parents and siblings. Her formative years were marked by a close bond with her mother. From her, 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. It reflects her caring nature. From family gatherings to culinary adventures in local communities, 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. There, 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 undeniable business acumen, 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. She 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 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. It doubles as a purpose and helps her shift focus away from troubling health issues to something productive, which in turn has aided her healing.

The SNL Foundation Mission

Through the SNL Foundation, Ntsoaki Ledimo has identified several organizations within the Free State that do amazing work in cancer research. She is raising funds to help these initiatives. One notable project is the Black Women Arise Women’s Health Organisation, run by Sebabatso Tsaoane from Bloemfontein. She is a professional nurse, lecturer, and specialist in women’s reproductive health.

Black Women Arise has already procured a mobile clinic that helps communities within Bloemfontein. Together, they are working to solicit funding for more mobile trucks. Philanthropy has been a constant theme in Ntsoaki’s life.

She supports US-born businesswoman Malaak Compton-Rock, who runs a project in Africa called AngelRock Project South Africa. This initiative empowers young girls from previously disadvantaged communities. Ntsoaki also collaborates with businesswoman and friend Yolanda Miya, supporting her NPO called Raise The Children. This organization works to radically change the lives of orphans in South Africa by educating, empowering, and providing mentorship programs.

Ntsoaki’s SNL Foundation is undertaking a significant initiative this July. On Mandela Day, July 18th, they’re taking the former President’s message to heart: 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 artwork from House of Olé and 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 excitement is growing as she develops her SNL brand. She envisions seeing her couture in major retailers across South Africa and taking a proudly South African brand globally. This gratitude for life motivates her to show up for herself and 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 by being there for others. This is why her project aligns with Mandela Day, a day centered on helping others, even if just for 67 minutes.

Ntsoaki plans to make the event an annual platform that continues to inspire and empower. She calls on anyone who believes in community support, emphasizing that you never know when you might need help. Therefore, before that happens, help others.

Get Involved

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

Bank Acc No: FNB 631-362-82439

Email: Ntsoaki_25@icloud.com

Instagram: @Ntsoaki_25

Through her journey, Ntsoaki Ledimo exemplifies the strength of purpose and the impact of community. Her work continues to inspire and uplift those around her, proving that resilience can lead to remarkable change.