1. Tell me more about your business:

Wellness is at the core of everything we do! Suedewellness is a wellness hub that comprises a team of passionate healthcare professionals who are dedicated to your health and well-being. From our skilled clinicians to our friendly support staff, each member of our team is committed to providing personalized care and compassionate support to help you thrive.

Our approach rests on the fundamental principles of movement, mindfulness, and nutrition, and through these guiding pillars, we can offer a holistic, evidence-based, customised program of treatment to empower our clients and build resilience. Our preventative wellness programs such as wellness screening, health education, and exercise programs including yoga targeted at specific client bases have become very popular.

2. When, how, and why did you start your business?

I began my wellness journey in 2013, when I first started PhysioWellness, now part of the Suedewellness umbrella. PhysioWellness has been specializing in managing symptoms related to ergonomic and lifestyle conditions, sports injuries, chronic illnesses, and more.  Our practices in Parktown North and Rosebank serve the Johannesburg area with expert care,  offering our patients achievable and sustainable health by integrating a multidisciplinary team approach and employing transformational, forward-thinking treatment techniques.

Our goal is to eradicate painful symptoms in the body while empowering our patients with tools to improve posture, core strength, and flexibility. The business then evolved to include a multidisciplinary approach to wellness, with emphasis on education and empowerment.  This holistic approach to healthcare helps individuals manage the multifaceted causes of their conditions and not just the symptoms. This helps empower them to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.

3. What is your role in the business?

I am the founding owner of SuedeWellness and through the years, remain central in the daily functions, where through guidance and collaboration with my team we can offer a wealth of experience and knowledge aimed at empowering individuals to understand and better manage their health and wellbeing. As a business owner, I also provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to grow young professionals to enhance their capabilities and expand their horizons to unlock their full potential within our inspiring wellness space.

In the corporate wellness space, I have also been instrumental in introducing and enhancing wellness initiatives that have impacted the lives of many corporate individuals across multifunctional roles. I develop customized programs for corporates so that their employees have greater job satisfaction, which inadvertently leads to increased productivity, higher employee retention, and improved organizational performance.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

My undergrad degree is in Physiotherapy, which I obtained from UKZN in 2006. I have since been very passionate about musculoskeletal health and wellness and have focused my career on tracking and implementing the most effective, evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of my patients and the corporate communities with whom I work.

Our team drives and lives the principles of wellness. We are constantly developing and growing our knowledge by attending courses and reading or listening to podcasts, reviewing articles, researching current trends, or discussing the progress of our patients – to ensure we can create the best individualised or group outputs; that inspire our treatment interventions to grow and adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

5. How did you finance your business?

Initially, I took out a personal loan to fund the initial set up and as we grew and began generating revenue, so too did we expand our portfolio. We grew slow and steady.

6. Describe your average workday.

I am an early riser – my days usually start at 4.30 am. On most days, I am working out of our outpatient practices in Rosebank or Parktown North, with my first appointment scheduled for 7.30. Here I consult with patients and manage the daily runnings with the help of my practice manager and support team. 

I am often recruited as a keynote speaker or wellness ambassador across various sectors, which sometimes requires me to travel around the country. I have a wonderful support team that assists with the administration and management of the space which allows me to focus on what I love – helping individuals become more comfortable and empowered about their health and wellbeing.

7. How do you balance home and work life?

It can be a struggle raising 2 small kids and having your own business, but I have been blessed with an amazing team and support structure. I am mostly able to balance the intricate juggling between the business owner, mother, wife, and homemaker although it can sometimes become overwhelming, it helps that I am doing what I love every day and that I get huge fulfillment from my work.

8. What drives and inspires you?

My passion for improving the lives of my patients – creating and being an innovator in the wellness space is a privilege and my years of experience, coupled with the inspiring team of experts that I work with drives me to be more every day. Both my individual and corporate clients inspire and challenge me to be more creative, to think out of the box, and to find ideas to develop wellness solutions to this ever-changing environment. I am always reminded that change is the only constant.

9. Where and when do you get your best ideas?

Mostly in the early mornings when the house is still asleep, I do my best work. But we also have great brainstorming sessions within the team – I believe that the people you surround yourself with can either ignite or extinguish your drive. My life partner is my best friend, and we often speak about my business and challenges. He often gives me perspective and encourages me to think outside the box and to be better.

10. Where and how do you advertise your business for sales leads?

Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share content related to wellness, such as tips, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes looks at your business. We use local businesses and Partnerships with local gyms, health food stores, or yoga studios to cross-promote services.

Social Media –  Facebook and Instagram to reach our ideal audience – cost-effective and it works. Webinars on wellness topics to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. In-person Events, and testimonials to showcase feedback from our clients.

11. What’s next for your business?

We would like to grow and remain pioneers in the wellness and physiotherapy realm –  and continue to add value to our patients as we continue to grow and innovate in the wellness space. We are always looking at ways to expand our reach and acquire more locations and corporates. Innovating on current products and creating new ones. Develop strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

12. For budding female entrepreneurs:

Build a Strong Network – Cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, and industry leaders. Networking can provide guidance, opportunities, and support. Continuous Learning – Stay updated with industry trends and continually enhance your skills through courses, workshops, and reading. Work-Life Balance – Establish boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.

Do what you love and enjoy!!

Social Media Links:

• Website: https://suedewellness.co.za
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuedeWellness/
• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixmephysio
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/suedewellness/