Lipstick, legacy and Louise Volschenk

At 39, Louise Volschenk proves you do not need to choose between motherhood, marriage and ambition. The Pretoria-based entrepreneur is the founder of Halouw Professional and Halouw Makeup Academy. She is also one of the standout stars of Showmax’s latest reality series, The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad.

Known for her sharp humour, direct honesty and polished presence, Volschenk brings both sparkle and substance to the third instalment of the Mommy Club franchise, which follows Pretoria’s most dynamic mothers as they balance business, family and legacy.

From Nelspruit to makeup mastery

Born and raised in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, Volschenk moved to Pretoria after school to study drama. Six months later, she realised the stage was not her calling. Makeup was.

“My love for makeup came from my mom,” she says. “I watched her transform in the mornings. Not only her face, but her confidence. That stayed with me.”

What began with experimenting on Barbie dolls quickly evolved into real clients. A friend’s wedding became her first official job. By 16, she was already teaching makeup classes. Momentum followed naturally.

Building Halouw with purpose

Before launching Halouw, Volschenk worked in corporate sales, selling printers. It was her husband, Juan, who encouraged the leap.

“He told me he had never seen me so passionate about anything and that I needed to do this full-time,” she recalls.

In 2012, Halouw Makeup Academy launched. A year later, it became the main makeup sponsor for Miss South Africa. Halouw Professional followed, with education and empowerment at its heart.

“I never planned this career. Doors kept opening. When I finally started my own business, I wanted it to honour that journey.”

Why she joined The Mommy Club

Volschenk almost ignored the Instagram message inviting her to join the show. Reality TV had never appealed to her.

“I thought it would just be women shouting and comparing wealth,” she says. “But this show was about moms balancing careers and family. That felt real.”

She also recognised the platform’s value. With Showmax behind the production, the credibility mattered. With her family’s support, she opened her life and business to the cameras.

Authenticity on and off screen

Like all reality shows, not every moment was easy. Volschenk admits there are scenes she wishes she handled differently. Still, she stands by her decision.

“The friendships meant the most to me. And sharing my family story was emotional but important. It was honest.”

Asked about a possible second season, she laughs. “Can I plead the Fifth?” What she does confirm is that she would not change who she is. Authenticity comes first.

Life beyond the spotlight

Despite a packed schedule, Volschenk protects time for herself and her marriage.

“My mornings are sacred. Gym time keeps me grounded. And my husband and I make time for monthly date nights. That connection matters.”

With new product launches on the way, including professional brush sets, expanded foundation ranges and a reformulated mascara, she shows no signs of slowing down.

She approaches the future simply. “Rest. Reset. Try to do better than yesterday.”

Louise Volschenk is not only building a beauty brand. She is building a legacy, confidently and unapologetically.