De Co Boutique, a nationally owned and operated small business start-up, prides itself in protective hairstyles and aftercare for the likes of the working class lady.
Ms. Kunta Kaupa, proud owner and leading hair technician of De Co Boutique started the business three years ago.
“We started not with the intention of running an actual business or it being my main source of income.”
From braiding to weaves, wigs and hair extensions, Kaupa currently heads a team of three full time hair technicians who specialize in providing protective hairstyles and aftercare advice for her clients.
“I used to love doing hair myself but the problem is always trying to find good quality hair pieces, where to source them, the different styles and who can actually pull it off.”
She said her main customers are women between the ages of 25-50 and they usually prefer a weave, crochet or wig.
“I always try to teach myself to stay on top of the game.”
“I don’t say that I’m an experienced braider, but I found a niche market that I have identified and that is where I get most of my clients from.”
Having an all-inclusive price which covers for both their hair pieces and installation costs makes De Co Boutique stand out among their competitors.
“We always have clients that come and tell us that for a salon that’s paying rent and for the styles we offer and the quality of our work and for how much we’re charging, we’re actually very affordable.”
“That’s the compliment that I get a lot from clients.”
“With the weaves, our base price is K150 and ranges up to K350.”
“When we started, we wanted to make it convenient for our clients, where we provide a variety of hair for you to come and choose what hair type you want and what’s fitting to your budget.”
As most small businesses, De Co Boutique was hit hard during the COVID 19 lockdowns which ultimately lead to them having to move location and ceasing their barber services.
“Because we operate a salon and we are likely to have a close contact with our clients, we weren’t able to operate during the pandemic.”
“However, now that the government has put in some funding, we’re hopeful for the next year as life seems to be getting back to normal.”
De Co Boutique now plans on expanding its services in 2021 to cater for the demand in the market.