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Making the stars shine

Oleosi Kgosi
PRETTY LADIES: Kgaudi with satisfied client, Charma Gal

Make-up artist with the magic touch

Popularly known as ‘Dr P’ on social media, Pearl Thomas-Kgaudi earns her nickname not from the surgeon’s scalpel but rather for her ability with the make-up brush.

The 34-year-old make-up artist runs Pearl’s Beauty Saloon in Letlhakane and has been doing so successfully since 2015.

Although based some 700km north of Gaborone’s bright lights, Kgaudi’s skills have not gone unnoticed amongst the stars.

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She counts South Africa’s woman of the moment, Makhadzi, as well as local heavyweights, Charma Gal, Sadi Dikgaka and Slizer as previous clients.

Making the stars shine
FAMOUS FACE: Makhadzi after receiving the \’Dr P\’ touch

“Doing Makhadzi’s make-up opened doors for me, God located me where I was hiding,” laughs Kgaudi, whose Facebook page, ‘Pearl’s Beauty Makeup – Dr P’, recently surpassed 15, 000 followers.

She is also quick to thank Charma Gal for the role the ‘Ha MmaJay’ hit-maker played in helping her talent flourish, noting the singer-songwriter regularly markets her work.

The self-taught artist, who learnt her craft from watching tutorials on YouTube and Instagram, tells Voice Money she is passionate about beauty and helping women look good.

She initially penetrated the market as a hairdresser, specialising in bob cuts, wig installation and bald head installation.

“The bald head installation went viral on social media and reached many countries,” she recalls, adding it was this overwhelming reaction which convinced her to open her own salon.

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Eight years later and business is ‘doing well’, with Kgaudi receiving regular bookings, especially for bridal make-up and events.

“Nowadays ladies ensure that they look enthralling when they go for outings!” she smiles, displaying white teeth between bright eye-catching lipstick.

Due to the high demand for her services, the business owner currently employs four ladies, who she describes as being ‘equally fanatical about beauty’.

Her prices, which she admits put some women off, vary depending on what the customer requires.

“The prices range from P350 to P1, 500 locally, but when I go out of Letlhakane I add fees for transport and accommodation. Some customers fail to understand that the pricing is based on the value of the service as well as the cost of using exceptional products,” rues the acclaimed ‘make-up doctor’, who aspires to work for Botswana Television (Btv) and eventually international shows like Mzansi soapies, Gomora and Muvhango.

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Making the stars shine
WINNING TEAM: Pearl Thomas-Kgaudi with her staff

As the year 2023 unfolds, Kgaudi intends to expand her business. She is also looking to engage youngsters, hoping to groom them to a level where they can establish small enterprises of their own, especially students who did not perform well academically.

“I believe that they can generate a living from engaging the work of their hands,” concludes the woman whose hands have helped light up many lives.

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