It’s been a long five months since lockdown began and the beauty industry has taken a significant knock. Josephine Phologane was delighted to reopen her business Dewdrop Health and Beauty Spa on 1 July, while Oratilwe Nameng, who owns Mesora Day Spa, welcomed clients on 30 June.
“The lockdown was stressful and brought a lot of anxiety to business owners and employees, but we are indeed excited to open our doors again,” says Josephine whose spa is situated at the Royal Marang Hotel in the North West province.
The widespread panic and high stress levels caused by the coronavirus pandemic have made the therapeutic services offered by spas a necessity. Never before has there been such a need for people to relax, unwind and be pampered. Josephine has been working in the health and beauty industry for more than 26 years and has seen the positive effect massage has had on hundreds of clients who have walked through her doors. “Regular massage is known for its restorative properties. It reduces stress, removes toxins from the body, increases flexibility and your immunity, eases muscle pain, soothes anxiety, improves circulation, posture and sleep.”
That is why celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Russel Wilson, Katy Perry and Mariah Carey make self-care a priority. In fact, motivational gurus Tony Robbins and Robin Sharma are so convinced that massage therapy improves overall health and wellbeing that they have included it in their wellness programmes.
But what about the ordinary man on the street? There is a misconception that spa services are unaffordable and a privilege only the rich enjoy. Oratilwe has debunked this myth.
Two years ago, she opened Mesora Day Spa, a tranquil haven situated in the idyllic village of Phokeng, to make spa services more affordable so that everyone could enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. She offers hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue and stress relief massages, and has designed luxurious pamper packages for pregnant women, baby showers and bridal showers.
“While my employees were working hard to comply with health regulations before the spa reopened on 30 June, I was adapting the business to the new normal. My loyal clients who bought vouchers for themselves or loved ones during lockdown redeemed them in our first week! These were so popular, we have decided to continue selling vouchers so that clients can treat themselves at their convenience. In addition, we are expanding and preparing a new dining area to improve our customers’ experiences. Soon there will be a beautiful restaurant that the community will be able to enjoy and an outdoor area for corporate wellness parties, baby and bridal showers and group parties,” says Oratilwe.
Spas are generally known for strict hygiene standards, but knowing that the public is now concerned about being exposed to the coronavirus, Oratilwe created a video for clients on the new health protocols at Mesora and all the precautions staff are taking to keep their clients safe. “We have a wash station at the entrance and there are multiple, elbow-pump sanitising stations throughout the spa. Our therapists have been retrained and we urge our clients to book in advance,” she continues.
“At Dewdrop, our guests’ safety and wellness are a priority: staff have been retrained according to Covid-19 regulations and all wear the correct PPE. A sanitising station is conveniently located at the entrance of the spa and we now have a pre-booking system to avoid crowding or long waits at the reception area,” explains Josephine.
“We are also installing a salt therapy room. Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy and is particularly relevant now because it boosts the immune system and strengthens the lungs, purifies the air, eases coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing, helps those with lung inflammation and reduces mucus production, which will helps asthmatics, people with allergies and sinus congestion,” she concludes.
Author: Terrena Rathanlall
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