Serial entrepreneur and renowned film maker, Thapelo Mokoena, introduces yet another exciting offering to his bespoke list of products under his repertoire with the launch of Bakoena Beard Care. The home grown male grooming solution is available in an assortment of products ranging from hand blended beard oils, beard wash and beard butter, providing an innovative addition to Africa’s beauty and grooming landscape. Mokoena, who achieved ubiquity for his award-winning work on an array of television productions, is also a successful restauranteur and wine aficionado. This latest venture will see him embark on a new journey which matches his passion for grooming and experimentation.
“Over the years I have received so many requests for grooming tips, I often even get asked if my beard is really grey or whether I’ve dyed it. Truth is, majority of my family is grey haired so I too have greyed naturally, and while I can attribute a lot of how my beard looks to genes, my understanding of the facial hair journey and having access to the products I’m now introducing to the world, has also played a huge role. As someone who has enjoyed experimenting with scents, textures and products, I decided to embark on an experiential journey to create authentically African products which cater to the unique needs and textures of African hair and skin. Grooming is a very important part of the African man’s daily routine and Bakoena Beard Care was developed for the modern African man who is looking to enhance that trendy bearded look,” says Thapelo Mokoena, Founder and CEO of Bakoena Brands.
To fulfil his vision, Mokoena reached out to award winning aesthetician and somatologist Jared Hines. Hines, who owns Hines and Harley, a male grooming parlour, has over 17 years of experience specialising in skin care and aromatherapy. It was Hine’s expertise in hair and skin that made him the perfect partner to help bring Mokoena’s brain child to life.
“This partnership with Thapelo has been years in the making and we both share a great deal of passion for creating products and work that resonates with Africans, while still appealing to the rest of the world. Working with him to create this range has been such a fulfilling experience because from the very beginning, we were very clear on our goal which is to give men products that will make them carry their beards with pride. When we started, Thapelo was struggling with eczema and the products we were able to create helped him take care of his skin and beard without causing any irritation. As such, Bakoena Beard Care also caters to people with sensitive skin and we’re really excited to introduce this range to the market because it will completely transform self-care for men.” Hines said.
With a significant amount of time and care spent on curating the product names and packaging, the Bakoena Beard Care offering is inspired by the diversity, culture and heritage of Africa. The beard wash and oil products come in two aromatic offerings which are named Maseru Sky and Mgazini Mountain, paying homage to Mokoena’s Basotho and Zulu lineage.
Maseru Sky is rich in natural herbs like Aloe, ginger, orange, wormwood (lengana).
Mgazini Mountain Aloe, sage (imphepho), black pepper & OUD Beard Butter is a combination of Mango & Shea butter extracts.
“I have spent almost the past 20 years championing and being an ambassador to International grooming and care brands, so Instead of partnering with another grooming or beauty brand, I decided to create the type of products that specifically cater to our African people. It’s time for an AFRICAN force to take over. Everything about these products represents a part of my childhood and upbringing, from the textures to the scents of the products. Bakoena Beard Care has that quintessential scent that is very familiar to most African men and was essentially developed to give one THE FEELING OF HOME. Our Tag line is; FOR REAL G.O.A.Ts.” Mokoena concluded.
The bespoke offering promises an experience that will take you on a sensory journey and is available at leading online retailers such as Nedbank Avo, as well as the brand’s online store www.bakoenabrands.com, with the starter kit combo selling at R750 incl. doorstep delivery.
Share your experience with us on social media by following @bakoena_brands on Instagram and @BakoenaBrands on Twitter, using the hashtags #BakoenaBeards #BeardTribe #4RealGoats #BakoenaBrands
