Award-winning filmmaker and businessman Thapelo Mokoena (39) has venturing into another business. In 2020 he premiered his own brand of wines with the Bosman Family Vineyards. In 2021, he opened the doors to his restaurant Molitva Orthodox Mediterranean with close friends Milan Cerimaj and The Kambulas. Now, he shares his beard secrets with the world with male grooming solution, Bakoena Beard Care.

STAYING CLEAN

 Thapelo says the idea came about after being constantly asked how he remains so well-groomed. "Over the years I have received so many requests for grooming tips, I often even get asked if my beard is really grey or whether I've dyed it,' he says. "Truth is, the majority of my family is grey-haired, so I too have grey naturally, and while I can attribute a lot of how my beard looks to genes, my understanding of the facial hair journey and having access to the products I'm now introducing to the world, has also played a huge role.' As someone who has enjoyed experimenting with scents, textures, and products, he decided to embark on an experiential journey to create authentically African products which cater to the unique needs and textures of African hair and skin. "Grooming is a very important part of the African man's daily routine and Bakoena Beard Care was developed for the modern African man who is looking to enhance that trendy bearded look.'

PARTNERSHIPS

 To bring his dream to life, Thapelo reached out to award-winning aesthetician and somatologist Jared Hines who owns Hines and Harley, a male grooming parlour, and has over 17 years of experience specialising in skincare and aromatherapy. It was Hine's expertise in hair and skin that made him the perfect partner to help bring Mokoena's brainchild to life. "I have spent almost the past 20 years championing and being an ambassador to International grooming and care brands, so Instead of partnering with another grooming or beauty brand, I decided to create the type of products that specifically cater to our African people,' he says. "It's time for an African force to take over. Everything about these products represents a part of my childhood and upbringing, from the textures to the scents of the products.'