South Africa, Oct. 2 -- Mdikane began her career in 2003 as a graduate trainee at Daimler Chrysler (now Mercedes) in Centurion. Three years later, she moved into the world of beauty as a junior product manager at L'Oreal South Africa.

Six months into the role, her manager resigned, leaving her reporting directly to the general manager and responsible for the L'Oreal. Cosmetics brand for four months.

One of her early breakthroughs was launching Restore Plus, an ethnic haircare line under Dark & Lovely. By breaking away from L'Oreal's premium-only DNA and using taxis and salons as grassroots channels, she authentically reached Black South African women.

In 2008, Mdikane joined South African Breweries (SAB), where she worked across severa...