The journey of an entrepreneur is often likened to crafting a masterpiece—a blend of challenges, triumphs, and unwavering resolve. For Agcobile Mlakalaka Zibi, founder of Immortal Aroma, her journey began with an inspiration as simple yet profound as the lingering scent of a diffuser in the early hours of prayer. Today, she is building a legacy in the fragrance industry, one diffuser, candle, and hand cream at a time.
A Scented Beginning
“In the early days, my husband and I would wake up for prayer, only to be distracted by the smell of last night’s dinner,” Agcobile recalls. Living in a small, open-plan apartment, the odors from the kitchen clung stubbornly to the air. She decided to buy a diffuser to refresh their space. “That simple act transformed my mornings. I realized how powerful scents could be—not just to mask unpleasant smells but to uplift and inspire.”
This epiphany planted the seed for Immortal Aroma, a brand headquartered in Gauteng that specializes in home and car diffusers, scented candles, perfumes, and hand creams. Founded on September 6th, 2023, with her husband as her partner, the company operates with a small team that also includes one distributor. With a clear vision and a passion for creating unique, high-quality fragrances, Agcobile set out to make her mark in the industry.
Immortal Aroma is a fragrance online shop. Its mission is to create fresh, warm, and inviting spaces that allow customers and their visitors to relax, think clearly, and feel uplifted through the power of fragrance. With perfumes, home and car diffusers, and scented candles, Immortal Aroma helps customers enjoy a refreshing and delightful ambiance wherever they are.
Building a Dream with Limited Resources
Starting a business from scratch is no small feat, especially without capital. “I knocked on many doors seeking funding but wasn’t successful. However, I’ve always believed that anything God places in my heart is achievable,” she shares. Drawing on her favorite quote, “She thought she could, so she did,” Agcobile began saving diligently and launched her business with what she had.
Her perseverance paid off. Early success came in the form of six orders after leaving a diffuser sample in an office. “That was such an exciting win for a new business. It gave me the confidence to keep going,” she says.
The Power of Mentorship and Multi-Level Marketing
A significant milestone for Immortal Aroma was signing up a distributor, a step that underscored her belief in the potential of multi-level marketing (MLM). “As a young girl, I sold Avon and Flat Stomach Tea, both of which used MLM. Those experiences taught me valuable lessons about sales and relationship-building, which I’m now applying to my own business.”
Her innovative approach also extends to her “employees”—social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Guided by her mentor, Gaelle Munayi, she sees these platforms as integral team members driving growth and engagement.
Passion for Technology and Empowerment
Beyond Immortal Aroma, Agcobile is deeply passionate about her work at Codehesion, where she serves as a Quality Assurance Coordinator. This role represents the realization of a long-held dream to be part of the tech world. “Through my role, I aspire to have an input in making a significant difference by bringing innovative solutions to life and, most importantly, inspiring young girls to see that technology and engineering are not fields reserved for men but are open to everyone,” she explains. By breaking stereotypes and proving that women can excel in these spaces, Agcobile hopes to encourage more young women to pursue careers in tech and engineering, proving that their dreams are valid and achievable.
Lessons in Patience and Persistence
Challenges have been abundant, from limited resources to the difficulty of marketing fragrance products online. “Many people want to smell the products before buying, so I’ve had to focus heavily on branding and creating a strong first impression,” Agcobile explains. She compares her entrepreneurial journey to planting a seed: “You don’t see results immediately, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. With patience and persistence, the seed will germinate and bear fruit.”
Impact Beyond Business
Immortal Aroma is more than a business; it’s a platform for empowerment. Through MLM, Agcobile connects with women entrepreneurs, helping them build their own networks and financial independence. She also draws on her past experience with Therapeutic Society, a women’s support group she founded, which fostered community and growth through shared challenges and aspirations. Therapeutic Society even received a positive review in the book Beyond Betrayal by Abongile Vazi, where the author highlighted how the platform helped her navigate challenges and find healing.
While this initiative was discontinued due to unforeseen circumstances, Agcobile has recently embarked on a more spiritual initiative for women, though she is not yet ready to share its details.
Her role as a Minister of the Word of God and a pastor’s wife further reflects her dedication to helping others. “I’ve always been a people-oriented person, and I find great fulfillment in empowering others,” she says.
Looking Ahead: Blending Tradition with Innovation
As the Quality Assurance Coordinator at Codehesion, Agcobile is deeply inspired by the advancements in artificial intelligence. She’s excited about learning prompt engineering and integrating AI-driven tools into her work. “AI has the potential to revolutionize quality assurance, freeing up time for more complex tasks and ensuring the highest standards of our products,” she explains.
In the fragrance industry, her focus remains on creating unique, sustainable, and affordable products that resonate with her customers. She’s eager to explore new markets across Africa while staying true to her core values of dedication, authenticity, and community empowerment.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Agcobile offers this advice: “Start now, with what you have. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Like a seed, what you have might seem small, but it has the potential to grow and yield incredible results.”
Her story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of starting where you are. Through Immortal Aroma, she is not only crafting exquisite scents but also inspiring others to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
