Isabel Germano, an entrepreneur, is among the winners of the YinksMedia Startup Spotlight Series initiative, and she spoke to our senior editor Ndaman Joshua on how she started Zaluni.
Zaluni is an innovative digital platform that connects beauty professionals with clients. Founded by Isabel Germano, Benildo Pedro, and Edson Lourenço Mateus, Zaluni aims to transform the beauty service industry by promoting the professionalization and economic growth of service providers while offering convenience and quality to clients.
Isabel and Pedro speak to YinksMedia about the inspiration behind Zaluni, how it’s doing in Angola, the benefits of skin-centric beauty, and the company’s mission. Read on for our full interview.
You are known as the founder of Zaluni, but outside the business, what is an ordinary day for you?
Currently, I’m just starting out in computer engineering while working full-time on Zaluni.
If you are not working in the cosmetics industry, what made you venture into it?
The beauty industry in Angola is growing rapidly, and in the next 2-3 years, it will expand even more. Here, we have many skilled young professionals who want to work in the industry but lack opportunities. People need a platform like ours—one that doesn’t yet exist in Angola. Beauty is important for everyone, both men and women. It’s a massive market with great potential.
Have you always had an interest in beauty?
I’ve always been passionate about technology. My co-founder and I are skilled in tech, and we wanted to create opportunities for young people to grow. With Zaluni, I realized we could use technology to support professionals in the beauty industry. Pedro, Zaluni co-founder, also said, “I’m passionate about technology and problem-solving.”
What inspired you to launch Zaluni?
We’re starting in Angola, specifically Luanda (the capital), with plans to expand globally. We believe this project has the potential to scale internationally. Our focus is on two key groups: professionals and clients. Many talented individuals lack opportunities to showcase their skills, while clients struggle to easily access quality services. Zaluni bridges that gap.
You’re building a very interesting product, Zaluni. Talk to us about it…
We have a unique advantage—no one has done this in Angola yet. Currently, we partner with professionals, earning a commission from each completed job.
Our future plans include
- Zaluni Academy—Training and launching new professionals into the marketplace.
- Product Partnerships—Collaborating with stores so professionals can sell their products (we earn a commission here too).
When launching Zaluni, did you have a clear vision of what you wanted the brand to be?
Yes, we knew we wanted to create a platform that empowers beauty professionals while making services more accessible for clients.
What do you think sets Zaluni apart from other brands?
As Pedro mentioned, there’s no existing program regulating beauty products in Angola, though the government plans to introduce one. We’re ahead of the curve, creating structure in an informal market.
How do you feel about the brand’s progression since its launch in January 2025?
Building a startup is never easy, and in Angola, it’s especially challenging. While some professionals are ready to work with us, our biggest hurdle is attracting clients to validate our MVP. We’re aiming for 100 clients to refine our product-market fit. People often don’t believe in you until they see results, so we’re also seeking investment from investors abroad to scale faster.
What can you advise users who want to make the most of Zaluni?
If you’re considering our platform, reach out! We’ve carefully validated our professionals to ensure top-quality service. Give it a try as a user—you won’t regret it.
What are your future ambitions for the brand?
Beyond the academy, we want to offer health insurance and credit access for our professionals—something difficult to obtain in Angola. Our goal is to formalize and uplift the beauty industry.
How do you work with professionals who don’t have smartphones?
We have a professional named Ju who doesn’t own a smartphone. Since we’ve validated her skills, we call her when clients book her services. If she’s available, we arrange the details. Right now, we can only assist a limited number of professionals, but we’re working to expand.
Do you have any advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs?
Keep pushing forward and invest in training. Entrepreneurship is tough, but the beauty sector is growing—strong networking is key.
Lastly, is there any beauty or wellness advice you’d like to share?
Black is beautiful. If you’re Black, embrace your natural beauty—don’t use products that harm your skin tone. You’re beautiful just the way you are.
About Zaluni
The global beauty services market is experiencing growth. According to Fortune Business Insights, the salon services market was valued at USD 247.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 447.76 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.79% during the forecast period. Zaluni is positioned to capitalize on this growth within the African context, offering a solution that meets the increasing demand for professional and accessible beauty services.
Zaluni’s platform enables beauty professionals to create personalized profiles, list their services, and manage their schedules. Unlike traditional models where professionals set their own prices, Zaluni standardizes service pricing to ensure fairness and transparency for both clients and professionals. Clients can search for providers based on location, service type, and reviews, facilitating practical and secure appointment scheduling. Additionally, Zaluni offers features such as client management, automatic reminders, and performance reports, assisting professionals in organizing and growing their businesses.
About the Team
- Isabel Germano: Founder and CEO of Zaluni, with extensive experience in management and operations. Isabel is an entrepreneur passionate about technology and its potential to transform traditional sectors.
- Benildo Pedro (COO): Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Zaluni, with experience in the startup ecosystem and multinational technology companies (Big Techs). Benildo brings a unique combination of technical knowledge and strategic vision, acquired throughout his career in large organizations.
- Edson Lourenço Mateus (CCO): Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Zaluni, with extensive experience in business management and customer relations gained during his career in insurance companies and banking institutions.
How to contact Zaluni
For more information, please contact
