How Zanele in Joburg Turned Skincare Content into Steady Income?

Building a Side Hustle While Raising a Child

Zanele used to work part-time at a beauty salon. After leaving her job to raise her baby during the pandemic, she began filming skincare tips at home. Her early videos got few views—but she stayed consistent, sharing honest routines without hard selling.

She picked up editing and storytelling tips from Video Marketing South Africa resources and used Digital Marketing Video Collection as inspiration for her scripts. “I didn’t want to go viral,” she says. “I just wanted to explain things well.”

From Reach to Revenue—Using the Right Tools Matters

As views increased, brands started to reach out. Zanele didn’t rush. First, she set up Sage One Bank Payments SA to handle invoices and income properly—making sure her small side hustle stayed above board.

She also signed up for Safetynet Insurance South Africa, covering health and unexpected costs for her child. “A side hustle needs stability,” she says. “Otherwise, life’s surprises can mess everything up.”

No Flash—Just Consistent, Slow-Burn Monetization

Her videos are simple—no filters, just facts. She posts content alongside notes, and uses Sage for Accounts and Bank Payments to track which topics drive more engagement. It’s about learning the audience, step by step.

Now, two local brands sponsor her content monthly. She’s not a “big creator,” but the stable income helps cover household and parenting expenses. “Side hustles,” she says, “are like skincare—you won’t see results overnight. It takes care and consistency.”

No Gimmicks—Just the Right Direction

Her story is all about patience and precision. She knows what to post, when to wait, and which tools—like Sage One Bank Payments SA—make a real difference in long-term growth.

Maybe you’re in the early days—few likes, no followers. But the next turning point could be sitting quietly in your drafts. The path to steady income may not be loud—but it works.