By Abigail Visagie

From long shifts at a courier company to creating a global beauty brand, Fezakiah Strauss turned her gifted hands into a thriving business that’s transforming lives in Heidedal and beyond

F ezakiah Strauss, the owner and founder of Mrs Strauss Beauty Parlour, has become a rising sensation in the Heidedal community — leaving many residents asking, “Where does she come from?” Born and bred in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Strauss manufactures a range of hair-growth and skincare products, including hair-growth oil, hair-growth butter, shampoo, conditioner, face-wash soap, and skin-repair cream. She says she always knew she was destined for far more than what her hometown could offer, and decided to relocate to Bloemfontein to pursue her ambitions. She founded her business two years ago and officially registered it in April this year. Her best-selling Mrs Strauss hair-care range has transformed the lives of many men and women. Strauss says she has helped clients who struggled with dandruff, lupus, eczema, and other conditions affecting healthy hair growth. Reflecting on her journey, she says that just two years ago she found herself questioning her purpose. “In January 2023, I envisioned owning a therapeutic hair parlour dedicated to braiding and styling clients’ hair. However, I was offered employment at a courier company in February 2023. Although I worked strenuous hours, I still found the time and strength to braid one client after work, because I found so much comfort in using my hands while earning a second income,” she said. Four months later, her braiding business began gaining attention, but she continued working at the courier company. She says the job became an opportunity to acquire business skills and build a client database while remaining employed. “My manager at my previous employment trained and equipped me, and years later, I was inspired to finally take a leap of faith by opening my own salon.” As a mother of three, Strauss says she faced many challenges balancing work and motherhood, yet she continued braiding hair — even up to Christmas Eve in December 2024. “I would start my day at seven in the morning because a winner does not quit. I continued doing both jobs until I eventually resigned from the courier company to pursue my ambitions. I started experimenting with hair-care products and eventually discovered the winning recipe — the beloved Hair Growth Mist,” she said. In April this year, Strauss expanded her product line to five manufactured items and officially registered Mrs Strauss Beauty Parlour. She says one of the greatest advantages of being her own boss is setting the pace for her work. “Hair-care products and braiding hair come naturally to me. I can travel and spend quality time with my husband and our children while still making a profit,” she said. Today, her hair-care line ships products around the world — from Bloemfontein to clients as far away as Dubai