THERE never seem to be enough hours in a day, especially for those who are always on the go and have tight work schedules. Women, especially, are finding it increasingly difficult to make time to pamper themselves.
Ethiopian-born entrepreneur and businesswoman Getty Gizaw encountered this problem when she was in South Africa for the 2010 Fifa World Cup (she produced the performance of R&B star R Kelly at the opening ceremony of the World Cup) and in need of a basic manicure and pedicure.
It frustrated her that she couldn’t find a place where she could get one done in a hurry and in the manner she had become accustomed to while living and working in New York. This is when she realised that other busy professionals must feel the same way and identified a gap in the South African market.
After months of research, Gizaw designed and opened her first Soho Nail|Beauty|Waxing Salon in Joburg’s Sandton City shopping centre in November 2011. Gizaw’s quest was to offer her clients an experience that you can find in New York salons – hip, chic and avant-garde, including the latest technology such as modern manicure tables, pedicure chairs and waxing rooms. She recently opened a branch at the V&A Waterfront, which allowed me to experience what it had to offer.
When Gizaw entered the salon, she started wiping down countertops. I asked her about this management style and shesaid: “One has to lead by example”. Her attention to detail also shows through her personal interaction with her clientele. She always makes sure that every person in the salon is happy and well attended to.
It’s finer details of the venue that really appeal to me – charging points for your cellphone, free wi-fi access and an iPad on every work station.
Then there are the massage chairs. While you’re having your pedicure done, you can work on the iPad provided and get a self-controlled massage from the chair you’re seated in. Now that is what I call multi-tasking. For those who are really pressed for time, you can easily have a manicure and pedicure done at the same time.
The other unique concept about the salon is its “no appointment needed” policy. When she introduced this, people thought it would never work but, Gizaw says, “I always ensure that there are enough therapists available.”
More about the businesswoman and brand
WHILE chatting to Gizaw I was intrigued to find out more about the woman behind the business.
What keeps you motivated?
Watching how our team improves daily and witnessing more people responding positively to our offering is what keeps me going. The buy-in of our team and the guests whom we provide services to keeps me motivated.
What do you do to relax and pamper yourself?
I enjoy going to spas and getting pampered. There are some incredible spas in South Africa and I love visiting as many as possible. We all have to get in some me-time once in a while and recalibrate.
Do you have any words of encouragement for women who want to start businesses?
The only words of encouragement I have and will always have is to “never, ever give up”. Persistence is key. If you want something bad enough, just do the damn thing. Don’t take no for an answer. People will always set their limitations on you; don’t let them. Focus on what you want and just push until you make it happen. Failure should never be an option.
How do you keep up with customer demands?
We always try to listen to what our guests request and have a general email address we encourage them to use to communicate with us. Our front of house also communicates any needs communicated by our guests.
What treatments are men coming in for?
Our Soho gents love our manis & pedis but often come in for waxing and threading, too. We have a good amount who come in for mankini and manzillian waxes, too.