Break away from the city, in the middle of the city

Desiree Gases The Wellness Centre was started in 2008 by Amy van den Heever. Van den Heever completed a three-year higher diploma in somatology (the study of health- and skincare) in 2006 at Tina Scoltz Academy in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The Wellness Centre was first situated on the roof of the Avani Hotel, but had to move due to renovations at the hotel. The Wellness Centre is now situated in the Gustaf Voigts Centre, just one floor below the hotel.They offer a wide variety of body and skin therapies ranging from facials to chemical peels, body massages, cupping therapy, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs and permanent make-up. The Wellness Centre offers a wide variety of skincare products to treat different skin problems and conditions ranging from anti-aging to acne, dry and pigmented skin. They also offer a wide variety of holistic treatments such as aromatherapy, hot stone massage and reflexology to bring utmost relaxation and relief to their clients.Careers asked Van den Heever what inspired the wellness spa and she said: “My love for the beauty industry started at home. When I saw my mom and dad coming home from a long, exhausting day at work, I would offer to massage their backs or do their feet and seeing how much it relaxed them and how grateful they were for the TLC inspired me to pursue a career in this industry. To bring comfort and relaxation and a sense of relief to so many of my clients is what has driven me every day for the past 15 years.” Van den Heever has four other beauty therapists working at the Wellness Centre. “The Wellness Centre has been very blessed,” says Van den Heever. “What differentiates us from others in our industry is the service we offer and consistency in doing so.” In the past 13 years of operation, the Wellness Centre has built up a number of regular clients who make use of their services on a weekly or monthly basis and these are the people who carry the business through good and difficult times. One of the main challenges the Wellness Centre has faced is the fact that the sector is becoming quite saturated, with a lot of smaller beauty parlours starting up and charging very low prices. Another major challenge they have faced is the implications of Covid-19. Because this form of service is considered a luxury, it is unfortunately at the top of the list when budget cuts are made.“My greatest achievement is that to many people the Wellness Centre has become a household name. Our great service and consistency have not only kept our clients coming back frequently, but also encourage many others to make use of our services,” says Van den Heever.When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Van den Heever said: “It is that passion that will be your driving force through every obstacle and challenge that may come your way. It is that passion that will give you perseverance. It is that passion that will make you legendary in your industry.”

Break away from the city, in the middle of the city

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-10

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Break away from the city, in the middle of the city

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-10

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