Young South African Woman Lights Up Entrepreneurship Path With Candle-Making Business

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

A young South African defies the odds by choosing entrepreneurship over unemployment, launching a thriving candle-making business that inspires many.
With youth unemployment at a staggering 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024, her story highlights how creativity and determination can create opportunities where none seem to exist.
Her inspiring journey resonates deeply with South Africans, sparking conversations about innovation, education, and the power of self-reliance.

One young woman's inspiring post about refusing to be part of the unemployment statistics went viral. She shared her journey of turning candle-making into a thriving business. Images: @boipelo Source: TikTok

Let me tell you about a young woman who’s not just lighting candles but setting an example for her generation. Content creator @boipelo________ shared a powerful video on social media, showcasing her incredible journey into entrepreneurship. At just 18 years old, she turned her passion for candle-making into a profitable business, proving that age is no barrier to success. Her story is not only inspiring but also a testament to the resilience of young South Africans.

Check out her TikTok video below—it’s worth every second.

Young Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Charge

In the video, she opens up about her thought process and the challenges she faced along the way. It’s raw, honest, and deeply relatable. Here’s how she puts it:

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"POV: You're 18, and instead of letting the unemployment statistics define you, you take a bold step and start making candles from scratch to sell. This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving."

Her decision couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Statistics SA, youth unemployment remains a massive hurdle, with 45.5% of young people out of work in the third quarter of 2024. But here’s the thing—@boipelo________ isn’t waiting for opportunities to come her way. She’s creating them. Her candle-making venture reflects a growing trend among young South Africans who are finding innovative ways to make ends meet in the informal sector. In fact, the sector saw an impressive increase of 165,000 jobs during that same period.

This young entrepreneur shared how she started a candle-making business to avoid unemployment. Images: @boipelo Source: TikTok

South Africa Stands Behind Its Young Entrepreneurs

Community Support Floods In

@boipelo________’s story didn’t just inspire—it mobilized a community. People from all walks of life reached out to express their admiration and offer support. Take a look at what some of them had to say:

@iam_fixing_the_country: "God bless the movement my sister, we are right behind you 👑🙏"

Another user, @Anastacia_1223, wanted to learn more:

"Wow♥️ Do you offer classes? I’d love to know how to do this!"

@Dee was curious about expanding the business:

"How much can you charge for teaching classes? Imagine the impact you could have!"

@siTshia expressed heartfelt encouragement:

"Wow nice, God may bless your work. Keep shining!"

@Hlogi_jhio praised her innovative mindset:

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"Way of thinking in an innovative manner❤️ This is what we need more of!"

@PBG_Beauty_Nails reminded her to stay focused:

"And don't stop ❤️… Even when you feel like it's slowing down. You’ve got this!"

@marcia_mthimunye added a note of encouragement:

"Umsebenzi wakho muhle. Keep up the good work and God bless your hustle 🙏"

More Inspiring Business Stories

When Passion Meets Opportunity

Briefly News recently highlighted the story of a former taxi driver whose innovative idea has captured the attention of the entire nation. It’s a perfect example of how reinventing traditional businesses can lead to modern success stories.
A 19-year-old entrepreneur’s online business not only transformed her life but also allowed her to renovate her blind mother’s home. Her determination shows that age is no barrier to making a real difference.
Another creative entrepreneur turned an old bus into a fully functional business, complete with WiFi. It’s proof that thinking outside the box can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

As we celebrate these inspiring stories, let’s remember that every challenge presents an opportunity. Whether it’s through candle-making, digital innovation, or repurposing old vehicles, young South Africans are proving that they have the creativity, drive, and determination to shape their own futures. Here’s to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers!