LUSUNGU CHIKOWELA
Lusaka
TO ADDRESS the everyday challenge many people, particularly women, face when searching for trusted salons and beauty, entrepreneur Wilbur Hachita is using technology to simplify how people discover and book beauty services. At the same time, the platform is also helping small beauty businesses reach more customers through a digital platform called Zayela.
Zayela allows qualified beauty service providers, hairstylists, nail technicians, lash artists and beauty therapists to list their services on both a mobile app and web platform.
Customers can use the platform to locate the nearest beauty service providers through an interactive map, browse available services and make bookings. The customers will make payments when they arrive at the venue, as the platform does not currently process online payments.
In an interview, Hachita said the idea was inspired by the need to resolve the uncertainty many people experience when deciding where to go for beauty services.
“I created the name Zayela rather than taking it from an existing word because I wanted something unique with an African feel that would be easy to remember and pronounce and could grow into a recognisable brand.
For me, the name represents making beauty services easier to discover, book and access,” he said.
He said the platform currently has nine registered beauty businesses, while another 17 are undergoing a verification process before being listed to ensure they are legitimate service providers. “The response from business owners has been encouraging, with many saying they have struggled to market themselves on social media and compete with well-established salons and beauty brands,” he said.
Beyond helping businesses become more visible, Zayela also provides management tools that allow service providers to monitor bookings, organise work schedules, reschedule appointments and track their business income.
The app is currently free to use and is available to customers and beauty businesses across Zambia. Looking ahead, Hachita said the company’s immediate focus over the next two to three years is to grow its customer base.
“I see Zayela becoming a big platform for a lot of people. I think people will only see its value when many of them join the platform and realise it’s meant to benefit both the customer and the business,” he said.
He added that future plans include partnering with taxi service platforms so that customers can conveniently arrange transport to and from their beauty appointments. “We also plan to introduce premium features, including a pass that will allow customers to purchase multiple beauty sessions in advance from selected salons, making it easier to budget for regular appointments,” he said.
The platform will soon introduce paid advertising options that will allow businesses to promote their services and beauty shops. Speaking on challenges, Hachita admitted that marketing was the biggest challenge during the early stages of building the platform, and that there were moments when he considered giving up.
However, he encouraged fellow young Zambians with business ideas to remain persistent.
“Just start. As long as you have an idea, I believe it is not useless. Take it seriously. Do not weigh your idea through the opinions of others. And to those who have already started, don’t stop. The only way you have actually failed is when you give up,” he said.
