About Us
 African Butterfly started in South Africa by Thea Gladwin. Thea
took the company from a concept to where it is today - an internationally
expanding enterprise that makes fantastic products, creates jobs for Africans and
business opportunities for the likes of you and I. In a way the growth of
the company can be likened to the lifecycle of the butterfly where the cocoon is
the concept and the emergence of the butterfly the product launching of African
Butterfly to you.
The products are hand-beaded by African women from the Ndebele tribe who without African Butterfly would not be able to sustain their families. In the photo alongside you can see how skilled the Ndebele are at beadwork - the tops they are wearing are all beaded. Beadwork is intricate and time consuming and requires a deft hand and good eyesight. This pastime has long been a social practice in which the Ndebele women engaged after their chores were finished but today, many projects involve the production of these items for sale to the public - one of these is the African Butterfly interlocking combs.
For more information on the Ndebele tribe click here.
About me & How I got into this business!
A little bit of history on
how I got interested in marketing African Butterfly.
I purchased my first
African Butterfly comb in Johannesburg, South Africa during a trip back to
the “old country” to visit the rellies (relatives) and friends. They were
being marketed in a shopping mall and was stopped by my
curiosity. The sales lady asked if I would like to try one and I have to
admit to being hesitant – you know when you’re on your way out and you
really don’t feel like “trying” something. Well to bring the story to an
end – I tried it and subsequently purchased one. I was SOLD on the concept
of the combs.
You know the phrase “the
proof is in the pudding” – it is true! Once I had used the product and felt
how comfortable it was – added to the miraculous fact that my hair actually
stayed held back even though it has layers.
I returned home to
Australia and had very big plans to market the combs in Australia during
2006. Well, I finally got myself into gear (2007) and started the
business. Now that I have a small (and growing) business I often have to
ask myself – “Why didn’t you do this earlier”. The answer to that question
I am afraid will never be answered.
I have goals to ensure that every woman with shoulder length and longer hair
in Australia AND New Zealand knows about African Butterfly
and purchases from my online store.
Trivia:
Where does the Proof of the Pudding come from?
"The
proof is in the pudding'' is actually a shortened version of a very old
proverb, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating.'' It means that the
real worth or success or effectiveness of something can only be determined
by putting it to the test, appearances and promises aside - just as the best
test of a pudding is to eat it.
What We Offer:
African Butterfly combs are imported from South Africa in a wide range
of designs. These designs do change over time and the if the product you
order is no longer available we will send you the closest possible match.
The online product base is updated regularly to alleviate these problems as much
as is humanly possible.
Along with your chosen products you will receive a leaflet that explains
how to use your comb and also serves as your guarantee.
Where We Deliver:
African Butterfly (Australia/New Zealand) will deliver your product
choice by Australia Post (regular mail) in Australia and by airmail to New
Zealand. Should you wish your items posted by Express Post there will be a
small surcharge.
Postage to other international destinations will be at the airmail rate as
quoted by Australia Post at the time of order.
Money Back Guarantee
African Butterfly (Australia/New Zealand) is passionate about your
satisfaction with our products. If you are not entirely happy with your
purchase there is a 10 day return money back policy. Products will however
need to be returned in the original packaging, undamaged along with the brochure
you received.
AFRICAN BUTTERFLY - PATENTS (information from Head Office, South Africa)
We pride ourselves in being a leading manufacturer of extremely high quality ladies Hair Clips, working on the very cutting edge of new bead designs all the time.
Additionally, every time you purchase an African Butterfly product, you are helping to alleviate unemployment and poverty in South Africa. From a very small beginning 5 years ago, with only 2 clip weavers, to at present support at least 120 people whom rely on you, individuals and companies, who are continuously purchasing our product.
A big thank you to you all whom have supported us all this time.
A word of warning to possible copycats:
We have a number of patents registered, one of which is: PZTZA 2004/000068, as well as registered designs for the shape of the layout of the beads fitted to the back of the clip. As the ONLY registered patent holders of these designs, worldwide, we would like to take this opportunity to warn all possible manufacturers, wholesalers, stock-keepers, and potentia
l buyers of hair clips similar to the Hair Clips pictured in this website, to look out for the patent numbers on the back of the clip, you may be purchasing.In the event that your clip has no patent numbers on the back, and looks similar to the "African Butterfly", as pictured in this website, you are possibly opening yourself to civil prosecution, as you will not be in possession of a genuine product, and thus, risk the possibility of having the police entering and raiding your premises, and confiscating your product.
Any queries regarding the patents can be forwarded to Thea Gladwin email info@africanbutterfly.co.za The Founders of African Butterfly have their Website in South Africa at www.africanbutterfly.co.za
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