The new manager at the Heavenly Spa, the award-winning spa at the Westin Cape Town, says her love for people and peaceful, tranquil settings is what attracted her to this career path.
“There’s a lot I love about this industry. The calming-effect it has on the soul and the effect our treatments have on our guests are just two of them. Guests come in stressed and leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, that’s value right there,” says Nicola van Huyssteen.
The newly-appointed Van Huyssteen holds a diploma in Somatology from the International Academy of Health and Skincare, as well as a diploma in Sales and Marketing Management from Varsity College. She describes her new role as the pinnacle of her career, but adds that it’s not “without a bit of craziness”.
“I am honoured to have reached this level in my career and to represent a prestigious and award-winning brand. I truly love what I do. And yes, a typical day in the spa is busy and demanding, but in a good way. I enjoy every minute of it and that’s what counts,” she says.
An avid reader and mom of two, Van Huyssteen says a typical day on the 19th floor spa is anything but uneventful. Instead, there’s always so much to do; from treatment room inspections; to hygiene checks; staff training and development to daily morning strategy sessions, not forgetting meeting and greeting guests and everything else in-between.
“Our days are jam-packed, but I can truly say that I enjoy the hustle and bustle as well. It gives me that thrill and helps to recharge my batteries,” Van Huyssteen says.
Before joining the team at the Heavenly Spa, Van Huyssteen spent a few years working on luxury cruisliners, before joining the Arabella Spa in Kleinmond. The entrepreneurially-minded beauty therapist also headed-up her own salon in Somerset West for two years.
“This industry has always fascinated me. Today I am privileged to be a part of it and to make a tiny difference in someone’s life every day. After all, a little goes a long way."