Kandeya launches Match Me

Uplifting the cosmetic industry, one product at a time
Namibian social media sensation Mercy Shoombe, popularly known as Kandeya, has launched a cosmetics brand, with lip gloss as its first product to be rolled out.
Junior Kapofi
Namibian social media sensation, Kandeya, is a 20-year-old computer science student majoring in informatics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) as well as a social media influencer and content creator.

Most recently, with the launch of Match Me, a cosmetics brand, she has become the founder and CEO of her own company.

She grew up in Grootfontein, in the Otjozondjupa Region, with her mom and two younger siblings, and completed her grade 12 there.

Kandeya’s widespread popularity stems from her popular dance content on social media, which skyrocketed her to become a Namibian social media favourite on Instagram and Tik Tok.

She has gained 65 000 followers on Instagram and over 23 000 followers on Tik Tok by the time of this writing.

Additionally, she has scooped up over one million views through Instagram videos.

In addition, Kandeya is also the face of M J Creations, a Namibian business that offers a wide variety of customised products such as necklaces, keychains, bracelets, rings, earrings, pillows, cell phone covers, explosion boxes and photo frames.

Match Me

Kandeya recently launched her business venture, Match Me, which stemmed from her desire to work on something she is passionate about: cosmetics.

As the founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Kandeya said she aims to provide high-quality and affordable products to Namibian women through a range of cosmetics. Match Me’s first product consisted of a range of lip glosses, handcrafted by her.

"I fill up all the tubes by myself in a comfortable, hygienic area," she said.

Her Cinderella lip gloss sold out in less than a week following its official launch.

Kandeya said since the launch, she has also learned that some consumers may not like specific products, and not all products sell as fast as others do.

"As a business owner, you should always be able to tell yourself that it is okay," she said. "It’s good to know what people want and what they do not want in order for you to take that information and reflect better on it the next time or for better decision-making."

Details matter

What makes the brand unique is the packaging. Kandeya explained that she invested a great deal in the branding and packaging because it is an important element.

"Customers need to feel some sense of trust and security when purchasing your products, and it starts with the way you present your brand."

Currently, Match Me operates online, and consumers can reach out to the Match Me page on Instagram to get their hands on the products on offer, which can be picked up or delivered countrywide to meet consumer needs.

Aiming to grow

Kandeya confirmed that customers can expect more from Match Me in the future as they expand into different ranges of beauty products. "Lip gloss is not the limit; this is only the beginning," she said.

She advised prospective business owners to test the quality of their products before selling them on the market, to ensure quality.

In addition, she advised: "Be patient with yourself, especially if you do your own production."