Mihlali Ndamase is a force that transcends digital creation. She is a movement that inspires possibility, creativity, and entrepreneurship reshaping how a generation thinks about beauty, influence, and business in Africa.
Known widely online as Mihlali N, she stands at the intersection of artistry and leadership, proving that passion paired with strategy can ignite platforms, careers, and industries.
From her earliest days in South Africa’s vibrant beauty scene to her current role as a leading content creator and fashion entrepreneur, Mihlali’s journey has been defined by innovation, bold risks, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Mihlali first made her mark as one of South Africa’s most beloved beauty YouTubers, launching her channel in 2016 and quickly earning a devoted audience with her makeup tutorials, lifestyle vlogs, and candid storytelling.
Her authenticity resonated, and her influence exploded, earning her millions of followers across platforms. Today she has over 2.3 million followers on Instagram and is considered one of the most influential beauty and lifestyle creators on the continent. But her impact goes far beyond follower numbers.
Mihlali has used her voice and platform to elevate African beauty standards, break barriers in digital content creation, and inspire countless young Africans to build purpose-driven careers in the creative industries.
Mihlali’s impact is not confined to screens, it’s embedded in real-world business and economic empowerment. She founded Malakyt, a beauty and fashion services platform that connects consumers with professional beauty specialists across South Africa, empowering local entrepreneurs and creatives to grow their businesses.
Her entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. In 2025, Mihlali launched Treasury Designs, a luxury fashion boutique in Sandton, Johannesburg, offering curated couture and bespoke pieces designed to celebrate women of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life.
The boutique, described as “created by women, for women”, represents her belief that style should be inclusive, empowering, and accessible.
Mihlali’s work has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s most inspiring young leaders. In 2021 she was named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, a milestone that cemented her stature as a creative entrepreneur and change-maker on the continent.
Her voice has also been amplified through influential collaborations and ambassador roles with major brands, reflecting both her global relevance and her ability to merge beauty with business in innovative ways.
Mihlali’s influence extends into community and culture. Throughout her career, she has spoken openly about the creative industry’s challenges, from exploitation to pricing pressures, and has used her platform to advocate for fair value, respect, and opportunities for young creators.
Her content isn’t just about beauty; it’s a narrative of confidence, resilience, and self-possession. Whether she’s presenting a new makeup look, launching a business, or sharing lessons learned from growth and setbacks, Mihlali invites her audience into a story of ambition with heart.
What sets Mihlali apart isn’t just her resume of achievements, it’s her heart, strategy, and belief in collective uplift. She didn’t just build an audience; she built spaces where others can thrive. She didn’t just create content; she defined a new narrative for what African creators can achieve on the global stage.
Like the women who inspire her, Mihlali Ndamase stands firmly in her purpose, not just to be seen, but to ignite vision, opportunity, and empowerment in others.
