2017 has been the year of celeb launches. We have seen celebrities come out with everything from beauty products and clothing lines to children’s educational toys.
The most recent is Boity Thulo, the actress and TV presenter last month announced the launch of her body toning support pill.
The pill is the first product from Human Limitless, a pharmaceutical company she co-founded in 2013 together with entrepreneur and film director, Legend Manqele and South African cricketer, Rasheed Patel.
South African personalities are hopping on to what is also a big trend internationally. Two of the biggest launches this year are both in beauty – US-based singer Rihanna with her line Fenty Beauty, and Kim Kardashian West with KKW Beauty.
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BOITY THULO (Actress and presenter) – Boity Toning Support
In an interview with Sowetan Live, Thulo said her company, Human Limitless, had been working on the idea for the pill for the past three years, and that they had consulted with Medical Control SA in its production.
According to the same report, the pill helps suppress appetite and tone and shape the body.
J’SOMETHING (Musician and restaurateur) – Something’s Cooking by J
J’Something launched the Something’s Cooking by J restaurant, in April 2017. It is located in Times Square Casino in Menlyn, Pretoria. According to an SME South Africa article, the restaurant is influenced by his Portuguese heritage and musical roots.
The menu is celebrity-inspired with dishes named after popular local musicians including award-winning jazz artist, Hugh Masikela and DJ Black Coffee.
CASSPER NYOVEST (Rapper) – Family Tree Store
Earlier this year, Nyovest announced that he would be launching a store that would carry his own clothing line through his record label Family Tree. In April the first store was launched in Newtown Junction, in downtown Johannesburg.
The store sells designs by Nyovest, as well as merchandise by South African hip hop singer, Nadia Nakai, and Malawian-born record producer and singer, Gemini Major.
See also: Ayanda Thabethe – Not Your Typical Celeb Entrepreneur
THANDO THABETHE (Actress, DJ, TV host and brand ambassador) – Thabooty Underwear and Shapewear
In June 2017 Thabethe announced via Instagram that she will be launching her own lingerie line. The range, which is yet to launch, will include underwear and shapewear.
In an interview with Times Live, Thabethe said the range will accommodate women of all sizes and will be manufactured in China.
RIKY RICK (Rapper) – Cotton Club Records
The rapper founded the record label Cotton Club Records together with Sony Music, according to an IOL report. In a social media post, Riky Rick said the label was his way of “giving other talented kids an opportunity to shine”.
AYANDA THABETHE (Model, TV presenter and brand ambassador) – Liyanda Hair Salon
Thabethe launched Liyanda together with business partner, Lindelwa Nkambule. The hair salon was launched as a space where women not only do “their hair and nails, but also spend time with their friends”, Thabethe said in an interview with People Magazine.
The salon is based in Melrose, Johannesburg. The name Liyanda is a combination of Ayanda and Lindelwa’s name, according to the same article.
TERRY PHETO (Actress) – Let’s Learn Toys
Terry Pheto recently announced the launch of a range of educational kids toys, Let’s Learn Toys, together with fellow actress and friend Mampho Brescia. The founders, in an interview with IOL, said they want their educational toy brand to equip young learners with the skills that will prepare them to be leaders.
The range includes building blocks, painting sets and board games.
