Durban University of Technology’s Somatology Alumna, Philile Twala-Mwangi, owner of eFeM Spa in Musgrave, Durban has offered employment to three students studying towards their Somatogy qualification at DUT.
Mwangi (38) who is originally from Swaziland completed her BTech degree in Somatology at DUT in 2020. From DUT, she has employed Senior Therapist, Simone Sentry (24) who is currently doing her master’s degree and two third year students Tshepiso Seshea and Mandy Gumede. She said the third year students, are currently working for her part-time. However, she hopes they will join her team on a full-time basis upon graduation.
Speaking about her business, Mwangi said it was established in June 2017, where she converted an office into a mini spa on the 11th floor in 320, Dr Pixley kaSeme Buidling.
“It is where we did nails and beauty treatments. In December 2020, we relocated the business to Musgrave. We are currently at number 7 Silverton Road, Musgrave in Durban. We offer a full range of nails and beauty treatments including: nails (spa treatments, gels and acrylic), facials (Environ facials and eFeM Signature facials), waxing, massages and reflexology. We also offer retail skin care products,” said Mwangi.
As the owner of the business, she said her duties are to oversee the overall running of the business from marketing, staff recruitment, management and also serve as a beauty therapist.
She said their target market has evolved ever since they moved to Musgrave.
“What we noticed is that we are receiving clients from all walks of life, from those who are well known and those not so well known. We are targeting people of all races, ages and genders that are cautious of their wellness and beauty needs. Since we moved to Musgrave our clientele has expanded, we now serve a mixture of races. It is great to see people of different races in one place and we cater to different age groups. Our treatments are affordable yet professional, so anyone can afford them. We are appreciated for our professionalism. It has been a beautiful journey and we are looking forward to growing the business. The dream that we have is much bigger than what we have done so far,” explained Mwangi.
Her interest in business started from her school days, she used to charge her friends for braiding their hair. Her academic journey was not an easy one, Mwangi said after matric she took a gap year where she opened a salon to save money for her tertiary education. In 2005, she then closed her salon and left Swaziland to study Somatology at DUT.
“In 2008, I dropped out at DUT due to financial challenges and worked at Perfect 10 where l learnt practical business management skills. I was then appointed as a branch manager. ln 2015, l decided to go back to DUT to complete my National Diploma in Somatology and eventually I graduated in 2018. I then completed my B-Tech qualification in 2020. I’m currently in the process of registering for my master’s degree in Somatology,” said Mwangi.
Finances and time management are some of the challenges that Mwangi said she faced when she established her business. She began her business without any external funding, which was very hard for her, especially prior to opening.
“I have had to build my business gradually from scratch over an extended period of time. In the process, I have had my fair share of ups and downs, and most of all, I have learnt and matured a lot, both as a person as well as an entrepreneur. I opened eFeM Spa while still seeking to complete my National Diploma, I had to juggle business, school work, and family responsibilities,” added Mwangi.
Furthermore, her highlight is seeing each and every client leaving the eFeM Spa satisfied with her team’s service.
Pictured: eFeM Spa owner, Philile Twala Mwangi and Senior Therapist, Simone Sentry.
Simangele Zuma
