In the quaint Moravian mission town of Wupperthal in the picturesque Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape, Marice Mercuur, the daughter of rooibos tea farmers, has created a unique skincare business using rooibos.
Marice spearheads her company, Marice Mercuur, with her husband, Nigel. Together, they used an age-old natural remedy to create their modern skincare marvel.
It all started when their daughter, Gemma, suffered from severe eczema. Conventional treatments provided little relief, prompting Marice to turn to traditional remedies in 2014.
“The old people always say if anything goes wrong, just give the child rooibos,” Nigel recalls.
They started to bathe Gemma in rooibos, and the results were promising. This success inspired Nigel and Marice to explore further, mixing rooibos with glycerine soap and aqueous cream to create the first versions of what would become their product line.
“The first creation, rooibos glycerine soap, remains our bestseller. Today, the range includes face wash, moisturiser, toner, conditioning shampoo, and a healing balm, all infused with the beneficial properties of rooibos,” Nigel says.
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Growth and recognition
Transitioning from a side hustle to a fully-fledged business in 2018, Marice resigned from her stable government job. Nigel supported the family financially, allowing Marice to focus on expanding the business.
The journey was not without its hurdles. Market access was a significant challenge, particularly in the highly competitive skincare industry. Compliance with regulations, proving product efficacy, and gaining consumer trust were daunting tasks.
“People take it lightly, but with skincare, there are so many regulations and things that you need to adhere to,” Nigel explains.
The couple’s persistence paid off. Through countless weekend markets, events, and networking opportunities, they began to carve out a niche for themselves. Their efforts caught the attention of the Western Cape department of agriculture.
“In 2019, Marice won the prestigious female entrepreneur of the year award in the agro-processing category, a testament to her hard work and innovation,” he says.
Pivoting during challenges
The Covid-19 pandemic brought new challenges, threatening the survival of the business as tourism came to a standstill and skincare sales decreased. However, a timely intervention from a local wind farm provided crucial funding, allowing the business to weather the storm.
“A week before we said we would close the doors of the business, they committed to providing some funding. This support enabled the company to purchase raw materials and keep operations running,” he says.
Their dedication to using genuine rooibos extract rather than mere fragrance, sets their products apart, appealing to discerning customers seeking authenticity.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Nigel offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start now: You don’t have to wait until something is perfect for you to start.
- Dare to be great: Stand out in the market by asking tough questions and striving for excellence.
- Compliance is key: Ensure all regulatory and financial requirements are met to access support and funding.
- Never give up: Remember why you started and persist through challenges.
- Community involvement: Take the people that have been there from day one with you.
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