Case Study
19
wealth Creating a of
health
With a big emphasis on mind and spirit as well as body, Ciana Day Spa in Swakopmund, Namibia, designs holistic programme for its guests. JOANNA STERKOWICZ speaks to owner, MARION VON MALTZAHN, to find out more.
M
arion Von Maltzahn’s vision for Ciana Day Spa was always to enhance the overall wellbeing of clients, through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit. Says Von Maltzahn, who is a trained gym instructor, life coach, beautician and masseuse: “Everyone is different and therefore has his or her own specific needs that must be fulfilled. The holistic programmes I create for guests totally depend on the individual. Some people love the pampering and relaxing side of spa services, so they will want a programme that includes a massage and aromatherapy facial, as well as a super relaxing pedicure. Other people do not enjoy the pampering so much but feel they need something for their mind. These are my life coach candidates. I believe life coaching is of benefit to everyone and it offers exceptional potential for personal growth. “For guests who enjoy both pampering and life coaching, we develop programmes that run over several months. For example, on week one we would do the body and spiritual side, while focusing on
the mind the following week. This is, I believe, one of the most optimal choices for personal health.” She notes that the premium option at Ciana is a four-week programme, commencing with body pampers (ie. scrubs, Coolsculping, full body massages) for the first week. Life coaching would follow on week two, with facials and manicure/pedicure on the third week. Physical development would be scheduled for week four. “So, this translates to one day at the spa each week, and for the rest of the time the client has to do his/ her own improvement for one hour a day at least. This has to either be a sports activity or life learning,” explains Von Maltzahn.
the move to Swakopmund. I decided to focus on two product ranges only and two special facial modalities – dermaplaning and microneedling – as I wanted my offering to be different from other beauty salons in Swakopmund. My product selection is on demand, rather than being stocked in the salon.”
Useful combo
Alternative markets
In its original incarnation, Ciana was situated in Windhoek, but is now found at the Sovereign Hair Salon in Swakopmund. This is located within The Entertainment Centre, owned by the Legacy Hotel, which uses Ciana as its spa facility on an informal basis. While the move has turned out very well for Ciana, it required a complete re-adjustment of the business model. Von Maltzahn continues: “It was quite hard for me personally as the original Ciana was literally my dream day spa. But it wasn’t economically viable, hence
Because Swakopmund is a coastal holiday town that is full of pensioners, Von Maltzahn will often transport her pensioner guests to the salon for treatments. “I also am thinking of creating an initiative called HEAL, where we would go to go the hospitals and perform treatments on patients who have been there for a long time. “Another project that I’m considering is to present life coaching at schools for Grades 11 and 12, mainly in connection with their tertiary learning,” concludes Von Maltzahn. PB online @ probeauty.co.za
