In Lilongwe, an entrepreneur named Thandiwe Mdulamizu, better known as Lady Tee, has turned her passion for beauty and cooking into two flourishing businesses.
As the owner of Tee-Y Beauty Touch and Heart Caterers, Thandiwe has not only made a name for herself but also created jobs for eight people in her community.
Her journey began six years ago with an unexpected opportunity. Encouraged by a friend, Thandiwe took a leap of faith and did bridal makeup for the first time. What started as a casual favour turned into a business venture.
The bride was thrilled with her work, and word of her talent spread rapidly. From weddings to baby showers, her calendar began filling up.. Four years ago, she opened Tee-Y Beauty Touch, a salon offering hairstyling, makeup, manicures, and more to her ever-growing clientele.
But Thandiwe’s creativity is not limited to beauty. She is also good in cooking that drew compliments from those who tasted her food. Recognizing an opportunity to share her culinary talent, she launched Heart Caterers.
Starting small, she advertised her dishes straight from her home kitchen, gradually gaining customers and building a dedicated catering team. Her catering business now serves a variety of events, delivering delicious meals with the same passion and precision she applies to her beauty services.
Balancing two businesses is no easy feat, especially when a bridal makeover coincides with catering for a large event. However, Thandiwe manages with the support of her sister at the salon and her catering team. “It’s not always easy,” she admits, “but with teamwork and planning, we always get it done.”
Her commitment to excellence is evident in her approach to challenges. Meeting diverse client expectations in both beauty and catering can be demanding, but Thandiwe thrives on making her customers happy. Their satisfaction has been her greatest reward, bringing her referrals and growing her business steadily.
Thandiwe’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. She dreams of expanding her ventures, starting with a cozy food café and eventually opening a full-scale restaurant. “I’m taking it step by step,” she says confidently. “We’ll get there.”
Her advice to others aspiring to follow their dreams is simple but powerful: “Go for it! You can do anything. You are your own limitation. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never stop growing.”
Thandiwe’s story is one of passion, resilience, and ambition. Through her businesses, she has not only achieved personal success but also uplifted her community, proving that with determination and a clear vision, anything is possible.
