Last year was a rough one for South African women, so we could all use a little self-care and a few success stories to get the good vibes going.

One of the best ways to do that is to celebrate women who are doing it for themselves, in business, taking industries by storm and using their creativity and innovation to make this country a better place.

Hey Gorgeous is one such local company.

Defined by its beautiful branding and a sustainable approach to skincare, this homegrown brand is rapidly becoming a leader in natural, ethical beauty.

Hey Gorgeous owner and cosmetic scientist, Phoebe Williams, says that British businesswoman Anita Roddick’s use of natural ingredients in her famous Body Shop products inspired the range.

“As I aged I was inspired to utilise products derived from conscious, sustainable ingredients and, as I then watched my daughters grew up, I also knew I wanted them to be able to use beauty products made with the highest quality organic and natural ingredients that are completely beneficial for the skin,” she explains.

The company offers natural skincare for all ages, at an affordable price which makes it the perfect product for self-care, a little self-indulgence and feel-good retail therapy.

 “Skincare shouldn’t cost the earth. We’ve always wanted to be accessible to as many people as possible. That’s the premise the brand, its pricing and the advice we freely give our customers.

We want them to be able to use something natural and ethical; something that makes you feel like a million dollars without costing it!” she says.

“So, last year, to make Hey Gorgeous products even more accessible, we decided to partner up with SA fintech startup, PayJustNow. What an amazing move this has been!”

For those who don’t know, PayJustNow is a ‘buy now pay later’ service that lets you pay off your order in three easy instalments, over three months.

Following a simple registration on the PayJustNow website, you fill up your cart online, select the PayJustNow payment option at checkout and you’re on your way.

Clearly, that’s a philosophy Phoebe wanted to embrace:

“Our online store is a massive part of our business and PayJustNow is completely free for customers to use,” explains Phoebe. “By offering PayJustNow as a payment option at online checkout (and launching in store in future) we’re making our products available to more South Africans who can choose to adopt a ‘buy now, receive now, pay later’ service,” she says.

As Phoebe points out, today’s customers are after high-quality products paired with a better way to pay.

“PayJustNow appeals strongly to our Millennial customers, giving them the freedom to purchase gorgeous skin, body, bath and lifestyle products that are organic, and unashamedly free from harmful synthetics, without the financial stress of an upfront lump sum.”

Cruelty-free, natural products that are kind to your skin? I think we can all get behind that.

If it comes with a side of female empowerment, and a celebration of the women that make this country great, sign me up.

Find Hey Gorgeous on PayJustNow’s merchant page, alongside a host of other excellent local (and international) businesses.

Go on, treat yo’self.