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Buyiselwa Gqwetha is a passionate and dedicated woman with a heart for community development and youth empowerment. At 44 years old, she is a proud mother of two, a businesswoman, and a mentor who believes deeply in resilience, hard work, and the power of self-discovery. Her journey has not been an easy one, but it has shaped her into the woman she is today.
Born in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, Buyiselwa grew up in a family of six. Her childhood home was always filled with people. Her mother’s siblings, their children, and even neighbours from her mother’s hometown of Graaf-Reinet all lived with them at some point. As a young girl, she didn’t always know who was who because the home was full of different faces and different tribes. It was a lively, warm, and sometimes chaotic household. Her mother worked hard to make sure the family was cared for, that there was always food on the table, and that their home was a safe and welcoming place. She made sure everyone was clean, warm, and protected in every way she could. But what was missing was the emotional bond between mother and daughter, the nurturing connection that every child longs for.
Her parents’ relationship began beautifully. Her father chose her mother out of many women he was dating at the time, and together they seemed to be a beautiful young couple. But over time, their relationship turned toxic. There was abuse in the home, both emotional and physical, and the fights between them became frightening. Her mother was not a fighter; she didn’t fight back physically, but the words exchanged between them created tension and fear. Her father was a taxi driver, a hardworking man who provided for the family, while her mother also worked hard. She was an independent woman who owned the house before she even got married. Yet despite their strength, the relationship was unstable, and the constant conflict left scars.
As she grew older, Buyiselwa witnessed the impact of her parents’ broken relationship. Eventually, her mother filed for a protection order after suffering permanent scars from the abuse. That brought some peace into their home. Watching her mother endure such pain taught her something profound. She learned that she never wanted to depend on a man for her happiness or survival. She told herself that when she became a mother, she would give her children the best life possible and raise them in peace, with love and stability.
After finishing matric, she went to East London to study cosmetology. She completed a diploma that included hair, makeup, skin care, and massage therapy. This was where she began to find herself and her passion for beauty and healing. When she returned home, her mother was working for the Department of Justice as a court interpreter. Through her, Buyiselwa got an opportunity to work there as well. She started as a court interpreter, then became a stenographer, and later a clerk of the court. Although the job provided stability, she began to lose interest because of how casual workers like her were treated. The management often exploited workers, and the environment became toxic. It wasn’t a place where she could thrive emotionally or creatively. She realized that working in such an environment was not for her, so she made the decision to resign and pursue her passion.
Around this time, she met her long-term boyfriend, the man who would become a huge part of her life for almost 20 years. He was fascinated by her independence and entrepreneurial spirit. When they met, she already had a young child. They had dated before, but when they reconnected, they took things more seriously. They became business partners, friends, and companions. He supported her business ventures and invested money into her clothing business. Together they traveled, explored fabrics and fashion, and experienced the world as partners in life and business. They were that power couple who worked side by side, his family loved her, inspiring each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
He was a policeman, a hardworking man who worked long hours and shifts, but he always made time for her. Despite having children from different mothers, seven in total, he treated her child as his own. He bought her gifts, took her out, and played the role of a father. She also became a mother figure to his children. Their love felt like a fairytale, full of dreams and shared success.
But as the years went by, things began to change. The relationship that once felt like a dream started to mirror the one she had witnessed between her parents. There was emotional and physical abuse, betrayal, and pain. She discovered that he was not the faithful man she thought he was. He had many secrets and relationships with other women. She became suspicious, anxious, and started digging into his life, which made the relationship even more toxic. The love that once lifted her began to break her down. She realized that love can sometimes take you to a place of darkness if it’s not built on trust and respect.
Eventually, she reached a point where she had to choose herself. She decided to walk away from that relationship and start a journey of self-discovery and healing. That decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She learned that she could turn her victimization into victory. She started focusing on building herself again, using her experiences as lessons to help others. She discovered that the same pain that almost destroyed her could become the power that drives her.
Today, Buyiselwa is not just a beauty entrepreneur but also a coach, mentor, and motivational speaker. As the founder of Heads and Heels Women Empowering Women, she has created a platform where women come together to share their stories, find healing, and gain the resources they need to build better futures. The event focuses on business networking, empowerment, and emotional growth. Women leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and reborn.
Through her work as a Dance Models Coach and the Director of Mzantsi Models, she mentors young people, teaching them confidence, self-love, and professionalism. Her passion for empowerment also extends to men through programs like Umfana Makakhale, a conference designed to uplift and guide young men in the community. She believes both young men and women deserve to be nurtured, heard, and supported.
In her business, Ekupholeni Queen B Beauty Studio, she continues to make a difference through community outreach. She and her team provide free haircare treatments and haircuts to those in need and volunteer at the Ekupholeni Community Soup Kitchen. They have also fed the homeless, supported local events, and offered free workshops for youth. Her salon has become a hub for empowerment, creating jobs and uplifting the Zwide community.
The journey has not been easy. As a woman in a competitive and versatile industry, she has faced gender bias, competition, and personal challenges. But through it all, she has learned resilience, patience, and perseverance. She has grown both personally and professionally, and she is committed to using her story to inspire others.
Winning awards such as the Battle of Fashion and being featured in fashion shows and pageants are among her proudest achievements, but the real reward for her is seeing lives change through her work. She is honored to be nominated for the CWENA Sociopreneur of the Year 2025 Award, because it represents everything she stands for—empowerment, growth, and community impact.
Her life is a testimony of transformation. From a young girl who grew up in a broken home to a woman who found healing and purpose through her pain, Buyiselwa has learned that adversity can become one’s greatest teacher. Her goal is to continue empowering others, spreading love, and creating spaces where people can find their voice and their strength. She believes that together, we can build a brighter future filled with resilience, unity, and hope.
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