Nthabiseng Lillian Lamola is the visionary founder of LSN Shades, a sunglasses brand that combines fashion, functionality, and health benefits. Launched as a tribute to her personal resilience and unwavering faith, LSN Shades offers stylish sunglasses designed for all personalities, occasions, and ages, with a strong focus on UV protection and eye health. Through her business, Nthabiseng is dedicated to making her mark in the eyewear industry while empowering others to trust in their dreams.
Origin and Inspiration
From Adversity to Ambition
Nthabiseng’s journey to entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. “Unemployment was a challenging period in my life,” she recalls. “During this time, I developed the idea for LSN Shades. Despite financial constraints preventing me from acting on it immediately, the vision never left my mind, even after I secured full-time employment.”
As her 40th birthday approached, Nthabiseng yearned to gift herself something meaningful—something she had never had before. “The desire and business idea combined, leading to the creation of LSN Shades,” she explains. This fusion of personal aspiration and entrepreneurial drive laid the foundation for her successful venture.
A Foundation Built on Strength and Faith
Nthabiseng’s background played a crucial role in shaping her entrepreneurial journey. “Being the firstborn at home and losing my father just six months before graduation was a significant blow,” she shares. This period of loss and unemployment galvanized her resolve to become self-reliant. “I knew I had to have a plan, and that plan was not to depend on anyone but myself. Prayer, humility, and faith kept me going.”
For Nthabiseng, LSN Shades is more than just a business—”It’s a reflection of my faith and strength and a tribute to my personal values.”
Business Overview
Crafting Style and Protection
LSN Shades stands out in the saturated sunglasses market by offering designs that cater to all personalities, facial shapes, dress codes, occasions, and age groups. “Our designs are crafted to suit all trends,” Nthabiseng emphasizes, highlighting the brand’s versatility and broad appeal.
Quality and Customer Benefits
The core of LSN Shades lies in its commitment to quality and customer well-being. “Our sunglasses provide 99-100% UV protection,” ensuring eye health and comfort. Additionally, they are impact-resistant and meet health and safety environmental requirements, making them a reliable choice for consumers.
Connecting with Customers
Nthabiseng believes in accessible and effective communication channels for her customers. “The best way to reach us is through our social media pages—Instagram and Facebook at @lsn.shades, TikTok at LSN Collect—or by visiting the Edenvinne Store in Menlyn Park Shopping Centre (Pretoria Branch).” For online shoppers, LSN Shades can be found on Edenvinne and Rize Market.
As a special promotion, “Every LSN pair is presented with a Black Matte Box, a Brown leather pouch, and a Microfibre cloth. Additionally, for every two pairs purchased, customers receive a Crystal Lens Cleaning Spray worth R100 for free.”
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Navigating the Early Hurdles
Starting a business is never without its challenges. Nthabiseng acknowledges that “Conducting thorough research through social media and networking was crucial before launching LSN Shades.” This proactive approach equipped her with the necessary knowledge to navigate the initial hurdles.
Perseverance Through Adversity
“Through my personal and professional experiences, I knew this journey was not going to be easy,” Nthabiseng reflects. “There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but I never considered giving up. The nature of life taught me to push through.” Her steadfast mindset has been a cornerstone of LSN Shades’ success.
Business Strategy
Self-Funding and Financial Management
LSN Shades is a self-funded venture, a path that presented its own set of challenges. “Initially, funding the business was a bit challenging, but my financial management skills worked for me,” Nthabiseng shares. Her ability to manage finances effectively was instrumental in sustaining and growing the business.
Innovative Marketing Approaches
Nthabiseng’s marketing strategy is a blend of digital presence and physical engagement. “A combination of social media, showing up at events, and pop-up strategies were a success,” she notes. These efforts have not only increased brand visibility but also fostered a loyal customer base.
Learning and Growth
Early Lessons and Business Practices
Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Nthabiseng learned the importance of “revealing too much about my journey and future plans.” “People will ask certain questions, and before you know it, you’ve given away critical information, especially to other entrepreneurs.” This lesson has shaped her approach to maintaining a balance between transparency and strategic secrecy.
Staying Ahead of Trends
As a sunglasses enthusiast, Nthabiseng ensures that LSN Shades remains trendy and relevant. “It’s easy and interesting being a sunglass lover myself. I know how to keep up with trending frames, and so far, so good,” she states. This passion for fashion and functionality keeps the brand ahead in the industry.
Balancing Life and Work
Harmonizing Personal and Professional Life
Balancing the demands of running a business with personal life is no small feat. Nthabiseng credits her supportive partner for this balance. “Having a supportive partner has been a blessing. My husband’s involvement in the business allows us to spend time together and with our kids,” she explains. Effective time management, prioritizing, and setting boundaries are her key strategies for maintaining this balance.
Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs struggling with work-life balance, Nthabiseng advises: “Time management, prioritizing, and setting boundaries are essential. Having a supportive partner or team can make a significant difference.”
Advice and Vision
Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Nthabiseng offers valuable advice to those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. “Understanding the industry by doing enough research and being financially ready is crucial. Everything you do when starting a business will demand money. The more you grow, the more money you will need. Draft realistic plans,” she advises.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nthabiseng envisions expanding LSN Shades both nationally and internationally. “In the next 5-10 years, I see our business in more retail stores across different provinces and internationally, employing more people,” she shares. Her long-term goals reflect her ambition to scale the business and create more employment opportunities.
Reflection and Impact
Proudest Achievements
Reflecting on her journey, Nthabiseng identifies her presence in retail within less than two years as a significant milestone. “The visibility and positive reviews from customers have been the greatest achievement,” she notes. This rapid growth underscores the brand’s quality and customer satisfaction.
Community and Industry Impact
Nthabiseng aspires for LSN Shades to make a meaningful impact on the community and the industry. “Creating employment and giving hope to everyone who feels like giving up is my goal. I want people to trust themselves and know that their sad stories must never discourage them,” she passionately states.
Legacy
Her legacy is centered around empowerment and resilience. “I hope to leave a legacy of strength, faith, and the belief that with determination, anything is possible,” Nthabiseng concludes.
What’s Next?
Embracing the Journey
When asked if she would change anything in her journey, Nthabiseng responds with unwavering confidence. “Nothing. I appreciate every step of my way. I believe in God’s timing and don’t have time for regrets. I grow every day and am doing great personally and professionally,” she affirms.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Nthabiseng remains optimistic and excited. “To keep going and for more people to trust our products. There is something on the pipeline, unfortunately, I cannot disclose now. But I am excited and can’t wait for it to be complete,” she reveals, hinting at exciting projects on the horizon.
Nthabiseng Lillian Lamola’s story is one of courage, faith, and relentless pursuit of dreams. Through LSN Shades, she has not only built a successful business but also inspired many with her resilience and vision. As she continues to expand her horizons, Nthabiseng remains a shining example of what it means to be a self-made entrepreneur, proving that with determination and faith, any obstacle can be overcome.
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