At just 19, while balancing the rigours of law and aspiring to become an advocate, Kimaya Nankan (22) launched Kimaya Beauty — a brand that would quickly become synonymous with intention, inclusivity, and purpose. What began as a teenage dream has evolved into a thriving platform where luxury meets accessibility, and beauty intersects with responsibility. In a landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, Kimaya Beauty stands out for its unwavering commitment to ethical practices, diversity, and community impact.
In this exclusive conversation, Kimaya shares the story behind the brand, the lessons learned from starting young, and the exciting new chapters ahead.
GLAMOUR: You launched Kimaya Beauty at just 19 while studying law. Take us back to that moment — what inspired the birth of the brand, and what did it represent for you beyond business?
Kimaya: Kimaya Beauty began as a vision when I was 18 — not as a business plan, but as something purposeful and meaningful. By the time I launched at 19, I knew the brand had to stand for more than makeup. From the outset, Kimaya Beauty has been rooted in inclusivity, self-love, and ethical care. Every product is designed to complement all skin tones, proving that luxury and accessibility can coexist. The range is proudly vegan, cruelty-free, and locally produced — because conscious consumerism matters.
Beyond beauty, Kimaya Beauty represents responsibility and impact. Giving back is woven into the brand’s DNA through fundraising initiatives and partnerships with organisations like Women For Change and Gift of the Givers. As my father often says, “One single act of goodness can bring so much joy,” and that philosophy guides everything we do. What began as a teenager’s dream has grown into a brand built on intention, integrity, and community.
G: Kimaya Beauty is rooted in inclusivity, self-love, and ethical care. What did you feel was missing in the South African beauty landscape that you wanted to change?
Kimaya: I wouldn’t say anything was missing — the South African beauty industry is vibrant and entrepreneurial. But I saw room for deeper intention. I wanted to prioritise inclusivity, truly recognising and catering to the diversity of South African skin tones and types. Quality, sustainability, and consciously formulated products should be foundational, not optional.
At Kimaya Beauty, self-love is at the core. Makeup, when used intentionally, becomes a tool for confidence and care — a way to celebrate oneself while expressing individuality. Commercial success is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of purpose or ethics.
G: Your Mascaliner combines mascara and eyeliner in one sleek product. What inspired this kind of multifunctional innovation?
Kimaya: The Mascaliner is special to me — it was Kimaya Beauty’s debut product and our first introduction to the world. I wanted our launch to be distinctive, intentional, and reflective of our core values: inclusivity, efficiency, and affordability.
I was inspired by multifunctional beauty — products that simplify routines while delivering maximum impact. This led to the concept of “beneficial beauty”: makeup that enhances while providing care.
The Mascaliner, launched in September 2023, is what I affectionately call a “purse-pal.” It combines a slim-wand mascara that lengthens, defines, and strengthens lashes with a dome-shaped eyeliner applicator for precision and perfect wings. Enriched with Panthenol, Vitamin E, and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, it nourishes while performing. My love for eyeliner began at seven, watching my mum apply it backstage at a nativity play — a moment that quietly shaped what would become my signature look.
G: Tell us about the Sharda Range — what was the intention behind it and how does it expand the Kimaya Beauty universe?
Kimaya: The Sharda Range is my most sentimental collection. It’s a tribute to my late great-grandmother, Sharda, whom we affectionately called Ma. After losing her in August 2025, creating this range became my way of honouring her life and legacy.
Ma embodied strength, resilience, and unconditional love. She raised five children, worked tirelessly, and gave endlessly — all with quiet grace. This collection mirrors her radiant spirit. Products like the “She’s a Glow Getter” Face and Body Gold Drops capture the light she left behind, celebrating women everywhere who lead with love and rise with strength.
G: How do you approach ever-changing beauty trends without losing your brand’s identity?
Kimaya: In an industry as fast-moving as beauty, a brand can’t be reactive — it must be rooted. Trends shape conversations, but identity anchors a brand. At Kimaya Beauty, our values — inclusivity, self-love, elegance, and community — guide every decision. Our aesthetic may evolve, but it remains recognisable, refined, and intentional. Entrepreneurship has taught me that adaptability is essential, but evolution must always be intentional.
G: Is there a beauty “rule” you think needs rewriting?
Kimaya: Expensive doesn’t automatically mean better. Performance matters most. Affordability and quality can coexist — when they do, beauty becomes inclusive, empowering, and sustainable.
Makeup is deeply personal and subjective. Techniques should guide, not dictate. And beauty isn’t bound by age, skin type, or social norms. Inclusivity is essential, and when embraced, it transforms beauty from conformity to authenticity.
G: What does “luxury” mean to you within a local South African beauty context?
Kimaya: Luxury is more than aesthetics or price — it’s a standard and a responsibility. It begins with uncompromising quality, extends to ethical practices, and is evident in the details: precision, consistency, and care.
At Kimaya Beauty, luxury is also about conscious consumerism. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and locally produced, reflecting a commitment to ethical beauty and empowering the local economy. Transparency and honesty are non-negotiable — customers must feel informed, respected, and confident in what they invest in.
G: How has owning a beauty brand changed the way you personally approach makeup and self-expression?
Kimaya: Owning Kimaya Beauty has taught me to approach makeup with intention and empathy. Makeup is amplification, not transformation. It reflects mood, emotion, and individuality. Seeing it through the consumer’s lens has deepened my understanding of diverse needs. Personally, I’ve learned that makeup should enhance, not mask — accentuating what’s already there while celebrating authenticity.
G: Starting young comes with its own pressures. How did you learn to trust your voice in rooms where you were often the youngest?
Kimaya: Starting young comes with intense internal pressure. I felt responsible to honour my vision. Thankfully, my family’s support, the work ethic I inherited from my father as well as his belief that “hard work always pays off” guided me. My faith, prayers and devotion to Lord Hanuman has also been a grounding force.
Credibility isn’t demanded — it’s earned through consistency, integrity, and showing up. Confidence is essential. You can’t control others’ opinions, but you can control the integrity of your work. When you stay aligned with your values, your voice will always be heard.
G: What advice would you give to youth looking to enter the beauty industry as entrepreneurs?
Kimaya: Be mindful of comparison, but never stop learning. Comparison is the thief of joy. In a visual, fast-paced industry, it’s easy to measure your journey against someone else’s, which can erode confidence and distract from growth.
Set a clear intention and focus on your unique path. Hard work, education, and adaptability are essential. Expect ups and downs — doubt and chaos are part of becoming. Listen to feedback, adapt, and evolve. Success is about knowledge, consistency, and care. When faith, focus, and resilience meet hard work, you don’t just build a business — you build something lasting.
G: What does the next chapter of Kimaya Beauty look like for you?
Kimaya: The next chapter is defined by purposeful expansion, deeper education, and a strengthened commitment to meaningful impact. This year marks our long-envisioned journey into skincare.
Alongside completing my law degree, I am undertaking a dermatology course, followed by a Certificate in Dermatology through a prestigious South African–based international college. Understanding the skin’s structure, function, and complexities is crucial for creating effective skincare. This range will be built on research, testing, and thoughtful dedication — products that are trusted, enduring, and accessible.
My passion for skincare is personal, shaped by my own experiences and challenges. Beyond product development, Kimaya Beauty will continue prioritising purpose, social responsibility, and partnerships that support meaningful causes locally and globally. Everything ahead is guided by intention, integrity, and respect for the communities the brand serves.
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