Dr Zama Tladi is the founder and chief aesthetician practitioner of Nubian Medical Aesthetics, a company that offers a wide range of advanced cosmetic non-surgical treatments. While she successfully treats all skin types, she’s decided to specialise in African skin.

She chats to Go Hustle writer Ondela Mlandu to discuss her journey. Interested in this industry? Get ready for some serious inspo…

How it all started…

Dr Zama started practising as a medical doctor in 2013. Over the years, she became passionate about skin health and aesthetic medicine, specifically. “[Then] in May 2019, I opened the doors to Nubian, working closely with my patients to address skin health issues, understand their concerns and what areas they’d like to improve, then assessing what would work best for them,” she says.

READ MORE: What You Need To Know About A Career In The Beauty Industry

Dr Zama is a board-certified aesthetician practitioner registered with the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) and holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree (BSc) in Biochemistry from Medunsa, a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Limpopo and a diploma in Aesthetic Medicine. She’s also board-certified in aesthetic medicine at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Phew. Nice work Dr Zama!

Bet let’s get the actual low-down on Nubian…

Nubian is fully equipped with the latest technology for restorative and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Think: injectables (fillers and Botulinum toxin), mesotherapy, micro-needling, carboxytherapy and chemical peels. “The clinic also offers customised vitamin drips to help restore and rejuvenate the body. The Nubian brand is growing and will be opening branches across Gauteng in 2021, with other provinces set to follow,” says Dr Zama.

READ MORE: This Doctor Just Launched Her Own Skincare Range – Here’s Why, And How

Interested? How do you get into the industry?

“One can get into the industry by being a qualified medical doctor, qualified somatologist or qualified nurse – those are recognised professionals who can get training in providing aesthetic treatments,” says Dr Zama.
There are many accredited facilities that offer aesthetic training, she continues, like Medskills, the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Arista Health. “There are facilities that provide aesthetic treatments in South Africa, particularly in urban areas, where one can get more experience in providing these treatments,” she adds.

So, what do Dr Zama’s challenges as a business owner look like?

“The biggest challenge in a start-up business is marketing – there are hardly any funds to market a start-up as a lot [of money is] spent on setting up the workplace, getting necessary devices, electronic equipment, stock, etc,” says Dr Zama.
Start with the simplest things, like social media, because almost everyone is exposed to it, advises Dr Zama. She’s found that word of mouth is the best form of marketing. You can grow from there without breaking the bank.

The value of people skills

“Have excellent people skills. Learn people skills! For any business, you have to be able to work with people – it doesn’t matter how big or how small you think they are,” she says.

Connect with Dr Zama

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