12 Aug 2018

Cerise and black are theme colours chosen by MyGift and Lyf Creations Spa.

In the background, soft music is played to create a sanctuary of serenity and soul nourishment.

This is the place that allows people to tap into the source of wellness and beauty.

Situated at Magopane ward in Ramotswa and operated in the backward house in a quite neighbourhood, MyGift and Lyf Creations Spa is setting itself to be a place for relinquishing all concerns.

Whether for just relaxation massage, foot and back treatments, reflexology, facials and a full range of aesthetic treatments, the spa has got it.

To add a cherry on top, a unique ambiance of soothing music would be playing in the background, which brings deep relaxation to the mind, body and spirit.

To its customers, whether celebrating a special occasion, or just for the love of aesthetic treatments, Mphoyame Nkau’s MyGift and Lyf Creations Spa is at your service.

All these establishments were accomplished through the assistance of the gender affairs empowerment programme.

“You remember when there were people crowing for the forms at the Department of Gender Affairs offices, I was part of that crowd,” she attested.

Luckily, Nkau was afforded funding of close to P100 000 after going back and forth and eventually started the beauty spa.

And her journey to start the sole Ramotswa beauty spa was not an easy ride.After failing to secure tertiary education scholarship in 2007, Nkau started a human resources course but soon realised it was not her calling.

After soul searching she settled for a beauty therapy.

And in 2014 she graduated with a certificate in beauty therapy from Shahnaz Herbal Institute of Beauty Therapy and eventually found work at a beauty spa in Gaborone.

“The money that I got as a salary was too low but I was making much for the beauty spa. That motivated me to think about my own,” she stated.

Eventually, the Ramotswa-born woman realised her dream when the Department of Gender Affairs introduced the gender affairs empowerment programme and she seized the opportunity.

“I experienced a lot of delay. At the time the department said they cannot fund my project because I am a youth, and I have to apply for the youth development fund,” she stated.

Hearing such news, Nkau was devastated but opted to elevate the matter to the ministry superiors and she was eventually assisted.
She finally started the business in September last year, and it has been a fulfilling experience which she cherishes daily.

To boost her returns, Nkau partnered with a fashion designer and wedding planner to offer customers an all in one package.

“It has been working for us,” she said, adding that most of her customers saw her business on social media and mostly came from Gaborone.

She said she has mastered the technique of outsmarting Gaborone businesses with her pricing.

To further boost her base, Nkau has started offering free beauty and wellness lessons, which is a move aimed at luring customers.
Interestingly, MyGift and Lyf Creations Spa customer base comprises of old women whom some are regular customers.

“They love it, they see it as form of relaxation, some of them are my regular customers,” she attested.

Apart from the business, Ms Nkau believes the beauty therapy business is still undermined. Ends