SUAVE DESIGNS

Refilwe Hlaoli is a strategic entrepreneur, marketing professional and advocate for sustainable innovation. She holds an Executive Qualification in Entrepreneurs Innovating for Impact in Africa from CEIBS Africa and a Marketing Management qualification from the IMM Graduate School of Marketing. With a dynamic career spanning finance, property and the retail sector, Refilwe brings an insightful and cross-disciplinary approach to leadership and brand development.

 

Her foray into skincare is both personal and purposeful — a journey sparked by lived experience, shaped by South Africa’s challenging economic climate and driven by a passion for impact. Leaving behind the corporate world to pursue full-time studies, Refilwe confronted the realities of unemployment and economic stagnation with boldness and resilience. She identified a problem — her skin — and set out to build a solution. That solution evolved into Suave Designs: a brand founded on the pillars of science, nature and innovation.

 

Drawing on her corporate background, Refilwe leverages her experience with B2B clients such as Investec Asset Management (AM), PSG AM, Element Investment Managers and ABSA Investments Management Services. Her expertise spans Client Relationship Management, Key Account Management and Quality Control Systems, including the development of Query Management Systems (QMS). These capabilities underpin her leadership style — agile, solutions-focused and deeply client-centric.

 

Refilwe's entrepreneurial journey includes experience as a retail store owner, where she honed her product development instincts and sharpened her understanding of consumer behaviour. Today, she leads Suave Designs as a future-forward personal care manufacturing company with a growing international footprint. Under her leadership, the company has established high-impact partnerships with German firms, driven by a shared mission to develop sustainable, innovative skincare solutions for global markets.

 

As a board member at Bullseye Beverages and a champion for women in business, Refilwe continues to build ecosystems of opportunity — combining vision, grit and a relentless drive to create products and platforms that improve lives.

Tumelo Kgokong is a highly experienced senior chemist and partner at Suave Designs (Pty) Ltd, bringing over 20 years of expertise in product development, laboratory analysis, R&D analysis, and quality control. His extensive background in chemistry, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry, allows him to apply advanced scientific principles to the development of innovative personal care products.

Tumelo's deep understanding of chemical formulations and regulatory requirements ensures that all products not only meet but exceed industry standards for quality and safety. His ability to lead complex projects from conception through to successful launch has been instrumental in driving the company's commitment to excellence. Tumelo's passion for innovation and meticulous attention to detail significantly enhance the value of our product offerings, making him an invaluable asset to our team and to the future growth of Suave Designs.

Bonolo Hlaoli is a trailblazer in the field of cosmetic science, seamlessly blending advanced formulation skills with a genuine passion for skincare. With hands-on experience in cosmetic formulation and product development gained through her work alongside a senior cosmetics chemist in the family business, and currently pursuing advanced studies in Cosmetic Science at COSCHEM, she brings both structure and innovation to the Suave Designs laboratory.

 

As our Chemist and Product Development Lead, Bonolo is the creative mind behind our product range — from cleansers and moisturisers to liquid foundations (in every shade under the sun) and of course, our game-changing sunscreens, including tinted options. She’s especially instrumental in our collaborative sunscreen innovation project with German partners, where she’s leading the shift toward sustainable, mineral-based SPF solutions.

 

Bonolo is also a qualified professional skin therapist from Madge Wallace International School of Skin, which gives her a rare dual perspective: she understands both the formulation and the real-world skin concerns that products are meant to address. Passionate about education and empowerment, she’s building bridges with local schools to spark young interest in cosmetic science and she dreams of establishing an academy that teaches school leavers how to formulate beauty products — especially colour cosmetics — that celebrate diversity.

 

Whether she’s mixing the next bestseller or mentoring future chemists, Bonolo does it with flair, focus and a touch of fun.

Portia Thipe is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the retail industry and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. As Operations Manager at Luna Aesthetics Clinic, Portia plays a pivotal role in aligning daily operations with the clinic’s long-term strategic goals. With a proven track record in driving performance, meeting ambitious targets, and cultivating meaningful client relationships, Portia brings a results-driven mindset fused with genuine client care. Her ability to balance operational excellence with a warm, client-centric approach ensures that Luna not only delivers exceptional service but also builds lasting trust with its community. Portia’s leadership is instrumental in guiding the clinic’s growth—strengthening internal processes, nurturing the team, and fostering a culture of consistency, professionalism, and innovation. Her dedication to continuous improvement makes her an invaluable asset in Luna’s mission to provide transformative skincare experiences and establish itself as a leader in aesthetic wellness.

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Lettie Mahlangu is a dynamic professional with a National Diploma in Business Management and a passion for people, making her an integral part of the Luna Aesthetics team. With a solid foundation in administration and strategy, Lettie has transitioned from her initial role in operations to a client-facing and partnership-building position — where her skills truly shine.

 

As Client Relations and Partnerships Coordinator, Lettie plays a key role in expanding Luna’s reach and impact. She is responsible for identifying and engaging with potential partners, including healthcare professionals, wellness centres and community organisations, ensuring Luna’s skincare expertise is aligned with meaningful collaborations. Her ability to craft compelling proposals and build strong relationships is central to Luna’s ongoing growth.

 

Beyond her business credentials, Lettie is also a fully trained Skin Therapist, offering personalised client consultations and guiding individuals toward suitable treatment options. She ensures that each client receives tailored product recommendations for optimal skincare results, combining empathy with technical know-how to deliver a trusted and informed experience.

 

With a unique blend of professionalism, warmth, and dedication, Lettie continues to bridge the gap between client care and business strategy — ensuring that Luna Aesthetics remains both people-focused and partnership-driven.

Noluthando Mtshali is a qualified Aesthetician with a keen research-driven approach to skincare. A graduate of the Madge Wallace International School of Skin, she brings a sharp clinical eye and deep personal insight to her role at Luna Aesthetics Clinic.

 

Specialising in the treatment of acne-prone skin, Noluthando's work is rooted in both scientific knowledge and lived experience. Her personal journey with acne has shaped a professional mission: to find effective, tailored solutions for individuals at every stage of life — from adolescents to mature adults. Her precision in delivering treatments, coupled with her empathetic approach, sets her apart as a trusted skincare expert.

 

As the coordinator of Luna Aesthetics’ wellness programmes, Noluthando leads educational initiatives that promote skin health awareness and preventative care. She plays a key role in informing the public on skin conditions, including the early signs of skin cancer and her work actively contributes to community engagement and public health education. Through these programmes, she also fosters strategic partnerships that influence Suave Designs’ product development and targeted skincare innovations.

 

Working closely with Alinda Nukwa, Noluthando is committed to advancing skin health through knowledge, innovation and a genuine dedication to client wellbeing.