These days, the idea of wellness is often reduced to the latest trend or aesthetic ideal — and businesses seem to follow this. Shining as a beacon of strength, Rechelle’s story as the purpose-driven visionary behind Motherkind Co — now one of South Africa’s leading collagen and nutricosmetic brands proves she is more than just a businesswoman and leader in the industry. She is a force.
With authenticity, grit and innovation at her core, Rechelle is rewriting the rules of what it means to lead in both business and in life. But Rechelle’s entrepreneurial spark wasn’t born in a boardroom. Rather, it came in a moment of personal vulnerability. “During my pregnancy, my body went through unexpected changes. I started losing my hair, my gut health took a knock and I felt completely out of sync,” she recalls. “The only product that truly helped me was collagen. It wasn’t just a beauty fix, it was healing from the inside out.” At a time when collagen was still misunderstood, Rechelle saw an opportunity, not just to heal herself, but to transform the way others approached wellness. In 2018, Motherkind was born.
Looking at her poised confidence, I’m curious about what life looked like before the glitz of awards and the growth of her wellness brand. “There was a kitchen table, unbranded boxes and [me] packing [my] own orders. I remember that moment so clearly,” she says, painting the picture of her early entrepreneurial days. “I didn’t have investors or a perfect plan, what I had was certainty that, if this could change my life, it could change someone else’s.” With just R10 000 capital, an unshakeable spirit and a product that worked, Rechelle’s quiet idea became a reality — that has since grown into an industry leader with products trusted by thousands and stocked across the country. The daughter of a businesswoman, Rechelle’s journey is one anchored in values instilled from childhood. “I grew up in a home where hard work, resilience and wellness were non- negotiable. My mom raised four kids, ran her own business and still made sure we had nutritious meals every day,” she says. “That showed me the power of showing up — for others and for yourself.” Her upbringing not only shaped her passion for wellness, but also helped her find the intersection between business and service.
In an oversaturated wellness market, what sets Motherkind apart is Rechelle’s focus on science-backed results and uncompromising quality. “Our collagen is clinically proven and gold-winning — but it’s more than that,” she explains. “We educate our community, innovate constantly and, most importantly, we listen. That connection is everything.” It’s this fierce dedication to results, innovation and community that’s built not just a brand, but a movement. Despite being recognised as an indelible force in the industry, she admits that launching a wellness brand as a woman came with its own set of challenges. Skepticism, limited funding and misconceptions about her background were some of the main misconceptions Rechelle faced. “People assumed we were backed by big money. In reality, I was mixing samples at home,” she says. “But I never let that stop me. I leaned into learning, surrounded myself with passionate people and stayed laser- focused on impact.” With every obstacle serving as a fuel for growth, it’s proof that power doesn’t always come loud. Sometimes, it starts quietly — and grows with every brave step forward.
Today, Rechelle heads Intelligent Health and Wellness, the umbrella company housing multiple successful wellness brands.
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