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Best of the best
Best best of the
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The most prestigious awards in the industry, the PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY AWARDS, took place on 15 March at The Venue Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. ver 300 industry professionals attended the Professional Beauty Awards gala dinner, which was compered by top entertainer, Cathy Specific (aka Brendan Van Rhyn, who found fame for his definitive performance as Frank N. Further in The Rocky Horror Picture Show). All finalists in the competition were subject to a stringent judging process, which involved being visited by two ‘mystery guests’, who evaluated all aspects of each salon / spa / aesthetic clinic and experienced treatments. Here are the finalists in all of the categories, with the winners highlighted. O
Salon of the Year 3 rooms or less
• Esse Concept Store • The Best Laser & Skin • Savor Wellness
Salon of the Year (4 rooms or more)
• Professional Skin Care Lab • Babor Institute • Jennifer Eales Skincare & Body Therapy Clinic
Nail Salon of the Year
• Plush Nails & Beauty • Kay Nails & Beauty • House of Mack
Aesthetic Clinic of the Year
• Eden Medispa • Medi Sculpt • Aesthetic Lab Hazelwood
Day Spa of the Year
• Aronia Day Spa • Life Day Spa Waterfront • Hammam Turkish Bath & Spa
Game Reserve Spa of the Year
• Sediko Bush Spa • Enviro Sanctuary Spa • Aquila Game Lodge & Spa
Hotel Spa of the Year
• Life Day Spa Century City • The Fairway Spa • Saxon Spa at Saxon Hotel & Villas • Taj Hotel Spa
Manager of the Year
• Lourette Du Toit • Jared Hines • Nuncia Pereira
Therapist of the Year
• Carla van Niekerk • Anelicia Opelt • Terry Morris
Nail Technician of the Year
• Andrea Smith • Nadia Erasmus • Annelize van Tonder
Men’s Grooming Salon of the Year • Hines and Harley Men’s
Grooming Lounge • Rockets Man - Fourways • Bar-Ber Black Sheep
Professional Beauty thanks its awards sponsors:
How does it feel to have won this award?
We were so delighted to have been selected as a finalist and to have won the award was honestly such a proud moment for us. The team is thrilled!
What strategies have you implemented in the salon to ensure success?
It’s not enough just to grow the treatment side of the business, we need to be retailing product to our clients. The two go hand in hand and should form a complete service. Aside from having results driven and effective skincare and treatments, we have several other strategies that assist us in creating brand loyalty and building relationships with our customers. These include sampling, spoiling customers for their birthday, a generous loyalty scheme, regular treatment or product promotions, workshops and special event days. One of the most important strategies that we have implemented is in the way in which we communicate with our clients. It’s important that education be the main driver of all communication
to ensure that our customers are informed and empowered to make sound decisions about what they choose to put on their skin, as well as the types of treatments and services that are going to be the most beneficial in supporting the skin’s natural ecology. (Response by Kerry Smith, General Manager – Esse South Africa)
How does it feel to have won this award for a record 5th time?
It’s absolutely amazing – the team is on such a high from winning the award again, especially after such a tough year! As always, an award like this is very beneficial to our salon, as it reaffirms to our existing clients that they are with a trustworthy team, as well as bringing in new business. I firmly believe that winning is all about the right attitude. It all starts with your attitude towards life – by adopting a positive outlook and cultivating proactive habits, which can have a positive effect on those around us.
How will you guard against complacency in the future?
It all comes down to hard work, dedication and a very committed team who constantly do their best. So, while it could be tempting to relax a bit and just enjoy the recognition of being at the top of our game, that’s never been what we’re about. Determination is key – you have to get up and grab what you want from life and aim to remove negative habits through daily practice.
Describe your salon’s core values.
I believe it is our duty to stay relevant and up to date with industry developments so that we can find the best solutions for our clients. We use the salon and our
loyal and generous client base as an opportunity to raise awareness or money for charities that are close to our hearts. The salon has a ‘people first’ policy – our team looks after each other and knows the importance of communication. Collaboration is important – it ensures we are all involved and accountable. Lastly, it’s vital to be adaptable, especially in the COVID-19 era. It can be stressful when things don’t go according to plan, but we always try to face challenges head on. (Response by Gina Gall, Owner of Professional Skin Care Lab)
Nail Salon of the Year
Plush Nails & Beauty
You are a first-time entrant into the awards – how does it feel to have won?
I still can’t believe it. Every time I think back to our name being announced as the winner, I get goosebumps. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be acknowledged as Nail Salon of the Year. This is a dream come true for me.
What makes Plush stand out in the market?
I always listen to my clients – what made them unhappy at their previous salon, and what do they expect from a nail salon? We use this information to help us learn and to be the best that we can be. Competition is fierce. We strive to be on top of our game and to offer the very best service that we can to our clients, who we treat with respect, promptness and care. In addition we stay updated with the latest trends and techniques that the nail industry has to offer and don’t mix products or brands so that clients always know what they can expect from us. Each client has an updated client card with details of each appointment. Our main focus is always quality over quantity.
What qualities do you look for in your nail therapists?
How many times have you won this award?
We previously won the award in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Winning the 2019/2020 award is just as exciting. It is wonderful to get the recognition for what we are trying to achieve, as we put a lot of effort and care into the business.
Why does your salon resonate with the judges, time after time?
The fact that we are professionals who love what we do shows through both in the salon environment and in the quality of the services that we offer. We always try to make every client feel like they are our only client.
Men’s Grooming Salon of the Year
How do you retain your competitive edge?
Our professionalism and love for our work and the industry keeps us ahead. We are constantly listening to clients and offering services and products that they want. Furthermore, we make
Our technicians must be well presented, passionate about nails, as well as skilled and willing to attend regular training sessions. They need to be compassionate towards clients, work well within a team, in addition to being ambitious and friendly. We are a small and close-knit team. (Response by Tania Biddle, Owner)
sure that each guest is not rushed and that every time they come in, they feel special. Our aim is to ensure that each client is treated like an individual and not just a number. Client retention is extremely important to us. (Response by Jared Hines, Co-owner)
Day Spa of the Year
Aronia Day Spa
You won this award back in 2016 – how does it feel to have won again?
It feels amazing. We have really grown since 2016, so this time, it was a very different competition. I think when you are bigger, it’s more challenging to ensure that the standard of your entire team is 5-star. I am really proud of the hard work that we have achieved as a team.
What would you say is Aronia Day Spa’s point of difference in an oversaturated market?
I believe it’s our attention to detail and the high standard of treatments that we achieve.
What procedures have you implemented to make your spa succeed?
We introduced, and always adhere to, stringent quality control measures.
What is your customer service policy?
It is always our aim to ensure that our clients are provided with the best possible service and to exceed their expectations.
What is your spa’s signature treatment and how was it inspired?
I believe that this is the fourth time you have won this award, having previously won in 2012, 2013 and 2017. How does it feel to have won again this year?
Every win is an honour, never to be taken lightly. It’s also very encouraging to know that we are able to continuously evolve to meet the ever increasing expectations of our customers.
What do you feel continues to set your spa apart from your competitors?
Consistently delivering an exceptional service by appointing and continuously training the best people, and providing an extraordinary experience in spa wellness.
Hotel Spa of the Year
Life Day Spa Century City
What is your policy regarding staff?
We invest a tremendous amount of time and effort in developing our people. Continuous training and coaching is provided throughout the year. At the end of the day, we encourage each person to become a ‘master of their craft’ and to be the best they can possibly be. Each person has to think about how they can provide a solution to meet the needs of their client by identifying said needs upfront and then tailor-making their treatments and home care accordingly. We also love to promote from within and have several examples of team members who started as therapists and are now managers. (Response by John Lambrou, Managing Partner)
The Aronia Signature Back Massage was designed by a spa consultant team in the US. This treatment focuses on thoroughly releasing the guest’s stress and healing their body, leaving both body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. (Response by Tasneem Vally)
Game Reserve Spa of the Year
Sediko Bush Spa
What does winning the Professional Beauty Award mean to you?
Sediko Bush Spa is thrilled, honored, proud and grateful to be judged Game Reserve Spa of the Year. This award turned our dreams into reality. We opened 18 months ago with a clear vision of becoming the leading spa in the South African Game Lodge category. Every action since our opening was executed with that objective in mind and with the mindset of being the best that we can be. This award acknowledges the effort that the Sediko Team put into every day of their working lives, and encourages us to strive for new and greater goals and to become masters in our field.
What is your spa’s concept?
Sediko Bush Spa was developed to offer awardwinning, unique and one of a kind African spa experiences. Our philosophy is to craft an exclusive, rounded sense of relaxation and spoil guests with a culture steeped in old school hospitality, where elevated levels of service and attention to detail guarantee a sense of revival and renewal of body and soul.
What do you think appealed to the judges about your spa?
What are the outstanding features of your clinic?
At Eden MediSpa we strive not only to offer our clients excellent results, we want experiences, happiness and relationships. So, our entire MediSpa is designed to offer a seamless, five-star wellness experience to deliver a shareable and memorable event for our clients. A very heartfelt thank you to Marius and Petro van Huyssteen for designing the most beautiful MediSpa that delivers exactly this.
Aesthetic Clinic of the Year
Eden MediSpa
What is your philosophy regarding clients?
Our main priority is our clients. We recognise that today we live in a customer experience economy where clients have changed and have new expectations. Their experience is the sum of all the points of interaction with our team at every step of their journey through Eden MediSpa. Every single one of these interactions is an opportunity for our team to create something remarkable and memorable. As Steve Jobs once said – “Great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people”.
Enthused by the soothing backdrop of the African bush, Sediko Bush Spa offers a haven to unwind, relax and revive the senses. All guests passing through our doors experience the recreation of their circle of wellbeing through our holistic body and facial treatments. (Response by Maria du Plessis, Owner & General Manager of Fusion Portfolio, under which Sediko falls.)
Do you have any future plans for your clinic?
Delivering consistently is key! We are committed to never stop learning and always reflect on current practice so that we can create new ideas and be more relevant to our clients’ needs in the future. (Response by Dr Adri Hofmeister, Head of Eden MediSpa team)
Manager of the Year
Lourette Du Toit
How does it feel to have won this award?
I was blown away when I heard my name announced and felt super overwhelmed. But, as I looked around the table and saw my colleagues, mentor and husband beaming with pride, it sunk in. I feel honored and extremely proud to carry this title.
What qualities make for a good salon manager?
Practice what you preach. Delegating is good as it keeps everything organised and controlled, but you need to get involved in every department. Be ethical towards your team, clients and business.
How do you motivate your staff?
I motivate my team at Dermology by continuously growing their knowledge through training, setting targets for them to achieve, and incentivising them when these are met. I give them credit for their work during team meetings and on social platforms.
What areas do you need to focus on to ensure a successfully run business?
What sets you apart from most therapists?
I have realised that I will stand out not only through achieving great results, but by paying attention to a ‘seamless client experience’. Even before my clients enter Eden MediSpa, they are in control via our digital platforms, which allow them to be informed on products, pricing, competition and reviews. During my consultation I guide clients through the services we offer without raising any unrealistic expectations. I take my time and practice quality, rather than quantity. My aim is to alleviate fear, connect with my client, and build a relationship on trust. I focus on treatments and treatment results that are predictable, reliable and safe. My clients are my ambassadors. My winning trilogy in Eden MediSpa is our retail products for the face and body, innovative face and body treatments, and advanced technology.
What factors do you focus on in order to excel in your profession?
Knowing each client by name or surname, whatever their preference is. I always give them warm and friendly smiles and emit positive energy. Delivering consistently is key – even at the end of a long hard day. Being knowledgeable through continued education and serving with passion. Every single interaction, even the most minute, is an opportunity for me to create something remarkable.
Therapist of the Year
Focus on your team – if they are not happy, your patients won’t be happy and your business will not grow. Make sure you have set systems in place and always stay up to date with your product that you offer. Keep up with the latest topics and trends.
What do you like most about your job?
Having the full support of our medical doctor, Adri Hofmeister, and a great team! Working in a responsible environment where we retail quality products and offer innovative face and body treatments and advanced technology.
Nail Technician of the Year
Andrea Smith
What does winning this award mean to you?
Honestly, I am still in shock. Since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with all things nails. The fact that I get to wake up and do what I love every day and be acknowledged for it, means more to me than I am able to express in words. I am very grateful.
What would you say are the ideal qualities for a top nail tech?
Hard work, passion and the willingness to continue learning are important. This industry is very competitive, and you need to constantly be on your toes, keeping up with the latest trends and working long hours and weekends. For most, the working hours alone are hard, however one’s passion is what makes it worth it. This is what the clients see and it’s what keeps them coming back. Loving what you do makes all the difference.
What advice would you give to someone just starting a career in nails?
This is not an easy industry and your career won’t happen overnight. However, if you continue to
work hard, put in the hours and give your clients the best you can from a service and treatment perspective, you will do well. Stay in touch with your educator for ongoing advice and support. Never stop learning. The industry is constantly changing and we as nail techs need to keep up to date with these changes.
A hearty congratulations to all the winners of the 2020 Professional Beauty Awards and Industry Awards for their amazing achievements.
Thank you for continually raising the standard of our industry.
Awards 2020
