There’s something quietly powerful about women who build things from scratch.
Not loudly. Not with endless resources or backup plans waiting in the wings. Just vision, consistency and the refusal to give up when life leaves very little room for failure.
This week’s People of the Bay feature shines the spotlight on Khanyisa Xola, founder of Noir Beaute, who has spent the past decade building a beauty brand that has become synonymous with glamour, empowerment and collaboration in Gqeberha.
Today, Noir Beaute stands amongst the city’s growing creative businesses within the Constitutional Hill precinct. But before the flagship salon, before the corporate clients and productions, there was simply a woman juggling corporate life, university and a side hustle she could not ignore.
“The beauty bug had always bitten me from when I was young,” Khanyisa tells 041Online.
“I used to do my mom’s hair and makeup for functions and getting inspiration from Generations. Karabo Moroka was my fashion icon for years.”
From side hustle to sought-after brand
Like many entrepreneurs, the business started quietly. Small steps. Small spaces. Big dreams.
At the time, Khanyisa was still working full-time while trying to build Noir Beaute after hours. Eventually, the side hustle began demanding more space, more time and more belief.
The business first operated from her family garage before moving into the Phakama Building in New Brighton, where she actively participated in the Kasi Economy while steadily growing her client base and reputation.
Over time, her work began attracting larger clients and corporate attention, allowing the business to expand even further.
“It feels surreal, like it’s a dream because this is what I grew up doing and loving but never knew that I could turn it into a career,” she says.
“Having esteemed people, big corporations, famous productions and the girl next door believe in my abilities and trusting my craft is the most humbling and fulfilling of it all.”
Motherhood, motivation and resilience
But behind the polished make-up looks and successful business is a story rooted deeply in resilience.
“My motivation was my daughter,” she says.
“Being a single mom is what kept me going. Knowing that I didn’t have a choice or a backup plan made me push myself daily.”
It’s perhaps that honesty that makes Khanyisa’s story resonate so deeply. There’s no pretending entrepreneurship is effortless. She openly speaks about the challenges that come with trying to build something meaningful while protecting the vision behind it.
“My biggest challenge has been finding the perfect fit for my business in terms of employees, making sure that my vision is aligned and executed correctly,” she explains.
“Always being flexible with my craft and consistent with putting myself out there.”
When challenges arise, she says adaptability becomes everything.
“I overcome these challenges by keeping my ear on the ground and finding ways to make it work whether it’s help externally or doing research.”
Creating space for other women to grow
One of the things that stands out most about Noir Beaute is that it has evolved beyond being just a salon. The space has become a hub for other creatives and beauty entrepreneurs trying to carve out their own place within the industry.
For Khanyisa, collaboration has always been part of the vision.
“Creating a hub for other like-minded individuals like me was important to me because I feel like collaboration is the key to catapulting any business to a bigger audience faster than if you do it alone,” she says.
“My own business has flourished because of the many marriages I have formed along the way.”
Although she has lived in different parts of the country, Khanyisa says Gqeberha remains the place where she feels most embraced.
“Gqeberha is my home, it’s where I thrive.”
She also credits her upbringing for shaping the businesswoman she would later become.
“I grew up in a household that was business-oriented. We had a few taxis at home so managing drivers and the overall business was something I lived for without even realising that it was moulding me for my future.”
The legacy behind Noir Beaute
As Noir Beaute celebrates ten years, Khanyisa says the legacy she hopes to leave behind is one rooted in determination and self-belief.
“The legacy I want to leave is the notion kaVuka uzenzele,” she says.
“I was literally thrown in the deep end but instead of wallowing in misery I did everything I could to make my career a success, and so I will continue to wake up every day and do it no matter what stands in my way.”
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