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On 1 August 2023 Sharon Dikgale, a skincare therapist born in Kagiso in Gauteng, received the keys to her very own salon after being named one of the winners in the Bidvest Sorbet-Preneur competition.
Run in partnership with Bidvest Bank, the competition gives Sorbet staff the opportunity to acquire a franchise through a gruelling pitch process similar to reality TV show Dragon’s Den. Candidates are judged on their knowledge of the industry, business and financial acumen, leadership skills, understanding of marketing and more, and must demonstrate they know how to run and grow a Sorbet franchise.
As part of her prize Dikgale received a year of mentorship and business coaching – and she has definitely put this to good use! We caught up with her to find out more.
Sorbet forms part of the Clicks Group, which acquired the chain in 2023. Closely aligned with the Group’s health, beauty and wellness offering, the acquisition further enhanced its commitment to building a healthier economy through the growth and empowerment of small independent business owners.
When did you decide you wanted to get into the beauty business?
A friend of mine was going to register at Unisa in Florida, and I was with her. We passed a beauty school that was having an open day, and I went in just to enquire about what they do. It looked interesting, and I thought it’s something that I could pursue, and I did. I qualified as a somatologist and now here I am today.
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Were you a beauty kind of girl, though?
No, nothing close to that! I was more of a tomboy. I only started wearing makeup because it was a prerequisite when we were studying. But I grew to love it. There was one particular lecturer who told me, “Stop looking at other people and thinking you’re not capable, because you are.” I think she believed in me so much that I started believing in myself.
How long have you been with Sorbet?
I was working at the salon that became the fifth Sorbet. When Ian Fuhr, the previous owner of Sorbet, bought the salon in 2005, he kept the staff on, so that’s how I got to work for Sorbet. I’ve moved around to different Sorbet salons in Joburg, but I’ve been with the company from the beginning.
What inspired you to enter SorbetPreneur?
It was a no-brainer to enter the competition. I felt like I had the knowledge and the experience, and I already knew that having my own salon was what I wanted to do. But financially it always seemed far-fetched.
How was the experience of the competition for you?
It was such a rigorous exercise! We had two-and-a-half weeks to prepare and an hour to present to the panel of five adjudicators. After the presentation they asked tough questions! They weren’t just enquiring about our skills and knowledge of therapy – we had to unpack a business plan from A to Z. At times, I wanted to quit because I felt like I couldn’t do it. But I had a vision. I wanted this so badly! Honestly, I walked out of there and I knew that I’d nailed it. I said to my husband, “We just got a Sorbet!”
Your salon is doing phenomenally! What’s your secret?
I have a motto: “Changing lives, one treatment at a time.” My approach is to treat my staff with respect, integrity, and give them the tools to approach their work with pride – to serve our guests from the heart. You’re not just doing hands and feet – it’s part of a bigger purpose to give the guest an experience. I believe if you serve intentionally, money will automatically flow and your own visions will become bigger. I have grown the L’Corro Sorbet salon by 126% and I will be going to Los Angeles for achieving the most Dermalogica sales in my category of Sorbet in Gauteng.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt over the past year?
To acknowledge and celebrate my small achievements, and to view fails as opportunities for growth.
What tips can you share with other women looking to start their own business?
Start! It doesn’t matter how small or how big, start somewhere, maintain a growth mindset and keep moving forward. Also, collaborate, build relationships and learn from others, and trust your vision, skills and abilities.
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