A visionary leader redefines professional beauty training

Ondolofiya Dingi is a pioneering force in Namibia’s beauty and wellness sector, an educator, innovator, and cultural custodian whose leadership redefines professional excellence for African women. She is the founder and CEO of the Dingi Academy of Beauty and Body Excellence (Dabbe), launched in 2016 with the mission to elevate beauty education while preserving African cultural identity. Her guiding principle – that “there are no substitutes for the basics” – reflects her belief that true mastery begins with understanding the why, not just the how.With over 15 years of professional experience and international qualifications, including the Comité International d'Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (Cidesco) diploma and advanced health management studies, Dingi has built a career around empowering women to think, innovate and lead confidently. She integrates indigenous knowledge systems into modern training, honouring ancestral wisdom while cultivating culturally grounded professionals.Transforming challenge into opportunityCovid-19 forced the academy to close in 2020, a major setback that Dingi transformed into an opportunity for reflection, redesign and renewal. She reopened the academy in September 2024, strengthening its systems, curricula, and outreach. These efforts are set to culminate in an official relaunch on Saturday, 4 April 2026, marking a new era of growth and impact.Innovative approachDingi has navigated industry challenges, regulatory gaps and financial barriers for students with innovation and integrity. She pioneered online learning platforms, flexible study modes and nationwide agent networks, ensuring accessibility without compromising standards.Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: lead with purpose, stay authentic, build steadily and prioritise legacy over titles. Dingi embodies the intersection of vision, resilience, and cultural pride, inspiring a generation of African women to innovate, heal and lead with confidence.

A visionary leader redefines professional beauty training

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-22

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A visionary leader redefines professional beauty training

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-22

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