ACTOR and TV host Thabiso Molokomme is one of the latest celebrities to elevate his brand.
The Joburg-based actor just launched his skincare product called Bakene.
The actor, popularly known for his role on SABC1 soapie Skeem Saam as Paxton Kgomo, said he's excited about this new journey.
He's now the founder and CEO of Bakene Skincare.
Thabiso said this was his passion project and had invested his whole heart and soul.
The actor launched it on Tuesday, 30 April.
He said they also created their website for people to access all the products they have in store.
The former YoTV presenter told Daily Sun that the idea began when he was doing his second year at the University of Joburg (UJ).
The 22-year-old said this is where he began manufacturing the soap.
BA KENE, my passion project I’ve invested my whole heart and soul in.
— Thabiso Molokomme (@molokommethabi) April 30, 2024
Launching 30 April; 12PM on our website#BAKENE #SkinCareThatShowsUp. #SkeemSaam pic.twitter.com/61pL6WNcyF
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"I was testing it out, giving it to my friends, but it was not satisfactory. To cut a long story short, now we have two innovative powerhouse products - a power powder and a glass moisturiser," he said.
Thabiso said he's happy with everything so far.
"I was motivated to start this brand because there was no skincare brand that I, as a young person, could identify and relate with. So, that's when I started working on the idea, and I knew that the mission would not only be to just sell affordable, effective, and high-quality ingredients but to build a skincare company that inspires confidence and self-discovery," Thabiso said.
Actor said businessman Theo Baloyi, founder of Bathu sneakers, has always inspired him.
He said seeing him take up space and building a global brand such as Bathu just inspired him to start.
The actor said he knew what he wanted to do and did it excellently because he was not building a side hustle but a global brand that empowers young people to show up for themselves.
"The name means 'show up and show out', and that's what I've done. I've shown up by starting the brand but showed out by introducing the brand to the public in an excellent way.
"We just launched our manifesto video, and it's our promise to our customers and partners. Some people send messages that make them feel like they can conquer the world. It's an amazing manifesto," he said.
The actor said this is something he always wanted to do.
"People can shop for our products on our beautiful website. We have a special running where they can get the Power Powder and the Glass moisturiser. My focus is on scaling business so we can reach global status.
"That's the dream we’ve started. The next step is to get into retail. So, if there's an individual or individuals who can help us reach that status of being in the big retail stores, please do reach out to us," he said.
