Ian Fuhr, the founder of the iconic Sorbet beauty salon chain, has not
only left an impactful mark on the beauty industry but has also been a
passionate advocate for racial healing in a nation grappling with its
past.
Fuhr's story begins in 1976 when he co-launched Kmart, a discount retail venture during the height of apartheid. In a bold departure from the norms of that era, Fuhr appointed black directors and managers, challenging the discriminatory laws that restricted such positions. This decision was not well-received by the authorities and the white public, as it went against public norms of apartheid and discriminatory labour laws. But this did not stop him from his determination to not only imagine but also carve a different future, enabling him to build an organizational culture that can grasp different cultural perspectives.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a record label, navigating a challenging space where talent discovery is hard, and generating a good return on invested artists is exceedingly low. Despite the daunting landscape, he achieved success by signing renowned artists like Letta Mbulu and Hugh Masekela. This experience exemplified his resilience and willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory, characteristics that would define his entrepreneurial journey.
In 1991, Fuhr laid the groundwork for addressing racial dynamics in the workplace by establishing Labour Link, a race relations consultancy. Drawing on his experience running Kmart, he assisted firms in creating and managing diverse working environments. One notable experience involved a factory that hired Labour Link due to a work slowdown by black employees stemming from poor treatment and contempt from their white counterparts. Fuhr coached factory managers and staff on racial acceptance, identifying personal biases on race and gender.
After seven years at Labour Link, Fuhr's brother asked him to rejoin Kmart, which had rebranded as Super Mart. Fuhr returned and played a pivotal role in growing the business until its eventual sale for over R 70 million in December 2003 to the JSE-listed Edcon.
In 2005, fueled by a desire to create value in new spaces, he founded the now internationally acclaimed beauty salon franchise Sorbet—a brand that would redefine the beauty industry in South Africa.
Fuhr's vision for Sorbet extended beyond beauty treatments. Recognising the power of culture in business, he sought to build a community within the company. Culture became Sorbet's secret weapon—a distinctive element that competitors could not replicate. In its early days, he was committed to personally training new employees and instilling the principles of prioritizing people first and fostering a culture of belonging, where contributions are valued, and individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. This approach created a foundation for consistent, high-quality service throughout the chain.
In 2017, Sorbet became part of Brian Joffe's Long4Life investment holding company, marking a shift from a family business to a corporate environment. Despite the challenging transition from the business's previous structure, Fuhr remained determined to grow Sorbet into a value creator in the lives of customers and franchise owners. His leadership extended beyond the borders of South Africa, as Sorbet set its sights on the UK market, where Fuhr envisioned creating an international brand with limitless opportunities.
However, Fuhr's impact reaches far beyond the boardroom. Recognizing the deep-seated wounds of South Africa's history, he became a vocal advocate for racial healing. His plea for uncomfortable conversations about race and the acknowledgement of systemic racism has become a central theme in his life's work.
Fuhr's commitment to racial healing is not mere rhetoric; it's a lived experience. Having dedicated a significant part of his entrepreneurial journey to race relations, he understands the profound impact of polarization on every facet of South African society. From the workplace to politics, the scars of history continue to shape the nation.
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