MEET THE TEAM
Our name, Zulu Bonita, is more than just a label; it's a tapestry woven from diverse origins. It echoes the spirit of KwaZulu-Natal's rich heritage in South Africa, the innovative pulse of California's Silicon Valley, and the vibrant soul of Havana's streets. This fusion of roots embodies our unique approach – a blend of tradition, innovation, and vibrant energy.
Zulu Bonita isn't just a salon; it's a canvas. We're reimagining the hair and salon landscape by offering a bespoke, high-end experience that celebrates the artistry of hair in all its forms – from the bold statement of a buzz cut to the fluid artistry of balayage and the intricate beauty of curls and coils.
MBALI
LA PATRONA
Mbali is the creative soul igniting Zulu Bonita's unique identity. Her background in 360° branding for South Africa's most recognizable names laid the groundwork for a decade-long immersion in the artistry of hair. Driven by passion and a pursuit of excellence, she graduated at the top of the global class at the L'Oréal Institute and now serves as Zulu Bonita's Art Director. Versatile and skilled in all hair types, her vision elevates hair beyond mere styling to a powerful form of creative expression.
IARA
A CHEFINHA
Hailing from northern Brazil but raised in the UK since age five, Iara Borges found her calling in the beauty industry at an early age. Her first work experience, at just 15, was in her family’s hairdresser’s salon, where she swept floors and served tea while absorbing life stories from clients. This early immersion in personal narratives ignited a deep love for film and theatre, shaping her belief that every person's life is a story worth telling. If you have any recommendations for a great film or play, be sure to let her know!
JASMIN
ART DIRECTOR
With years of experience handling every hair texture from sleek blowouts on straight strands to luscious 4C wash-and-gos, Jasmin is a true texture whisperer and dedicated curl specialist. Professionally trained by top industry pros for Wella and L’Oréal, her real passion lies in custom color and crafting tailor-made styles that keep your hair feeling as healthy as it looks.
Step into Jasmin’s chair and you’ll instantly feel comfortable, cared for, and free to be completely yourself. She can’t wait to collaborate with you and give your strands the crown-worthy treatment they deserve!
BEVERLEY
DIRECTOR
After 30 years as a master Hairdresser, Beverley traded her salon chair for the high-energy world of Theatre, Film, and TV. She has spent the last two years leveling up as a Hair & Makeup Artist on set, bringing three decades of elite styling expertise, ironclad reliability, and a rock-solid work ethic to every production.
A lifelong learner who dives into fresh training every year, Beverley combines top-tier technical skill with effortless communication to keep cast and crew looking screen-ready and feeling at ease. She’s passionate, adaptable, and ready for her next big production call.
TIA
STYLIST
Tia has been perfecting the art of braiding since she was young, making her a true master of all types and styles of braids and canerows. She’s equally skilled at transforming texture, specializing in everything from signature bouncy blowdrys and flawless silk presses to long-lasting Keratin smoothing treatments.
Beyond her incredible styling skills, Tia is a true master of relaxation at the backwash, turning every shampoo into a luxurious, stress-melting escape. Whether you are looking for protective styling, sleek hair straightening, or just a pampering refresh, Tia is ready to give your hair the ultimate care it deserves!
GRACE
JR STYLIST
As our resident salon apprentice and junior stylist, Grace is always on hand to keep things running smoothly while perfecting her signature, head-turning bouncy blowdrys. She might seem a little shy at first, but all it takes is a warm hello to unlock her engaging personality and fantastic stories. Whether she's prepping your hair at the washbasin or working her magic with a blowdryer, Grace is dedicated to making sure you leave with gorgeous hair and a smile!
NOKUTHULA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nokuthula "Zanele" Mpofu is a Creative Director whose decade-long journey through the luxury fashion industry—a tapestry woven from styling, photography, and strategic content production—has culminated in a vision that marries artistry with social impact. As the Creative Project Manager at Zulu Bonita, she distills this experience into shaping the brand's narrative, ensuring every campaign and client experience is a luminous reflection of authenticity, culture, and community. Furthermore, through her platform, Zanele London, she extends this purpose-driven ethos, orchestrating projects rooted in sustainable fashion storytelling that cultivate spaces for local talent to flourish.
