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!
SAMANTHA
ART DIRECTOR
From the age of 16, I have pursued my passion for hair, turning it into a 25-year-long career. My journey has taken me from mastering Aveda color to perfecting advanced cutting techniques at Vidal Sassoon. I am an artist at heart, and just as a musician brings notes to life, I bring hair to life. I stay on top of the latest trends, but my true talent is in creating a one-of-a-kind look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
ANASTASIA
ART DIRECTOR
My love affair with hair started early—back in eighth grade, I was already taking courses to learn the craft. By 19, I was a stylist at one of the best salons in Kyiv, and I've never looked back. For me, being a great stylist is all about a constant desire to improve and a deep love for people. I've studied in Milan, Italy, with Daniel Manzini, a trendsetter for Milan Fashion Week. I've also mastered complex coloring with Brazilian master Natan Correia and perfected the popular "Air Touch" technique with its creator, Vladimir Sarbashev. And because healthy hair is my priority, I've even completed several seminars on trichology. Let's work together to create something beautiful and healthy for your hair!
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.
