Conceptualized as a mobile spa service and currently have two sites in Gqeberha - ON THE GO SPA is a black women-owned enterprise by two sisters. The duo, which is the brain behind the brand is from the Gilivane family - named as Vatiswa (the older of the two), who currently resides in Johannesburg and Zodwa (the younger sister) who currently resides in Gqeberha - also known as Port Elizabeth, where they both grew up and operating their business.
Before we spoke ON THE GO WELLNESS SPA we were interested to hear what are their favourite brands in Mzansi and why, this is what they said, “We both absolutely love supporting and shining a light on other local brands and businesses”.
Vatiswa: “My favourite brand is the clothing brand named @RichFactory – African resort wear. I have enjoyed seeing the brand grow over the years and I love how they approach their offering with great attention to detail, which does translate into the end product we purchase online or at their beautiful boutique store in Parkhurst”.
Zodwa: “Mine would be Bathu the shoe brand, because they remind me more about my journey and I find their story very inspiring. From how they started their business to how consistent they are in producing high quality shoes every time. Their work ethics and most importantly for me how they keep collaborating with other South African brands to help in growing and expanding their business”
Back to On The Go Wellness Spa: This Gqeberha based wellness SPA is one of best startups founded amidst the pandemic, in June 2020 to be precise. Losing their jobs during the pandemic led the sisters to the idea of combining their skills and expertise to start a business - a passion project, with the aim of connecting people and curating a space where they can present themselves as they are, leave feeling relaxed, revived, rejuvenated and feeling good about themselves.
Please share what challenges have you faced when you were getting ON THE GO off the ground? “We are still on early days and yes challenges are still here, the reality is every step one takes in business whether it be to expand, introduce a new offering, collaborate or partner with other brands/businesses introduces a new and different set of challenges. However, we try to look at these as opportunities to either grow into something or out of something. When starting a business there are the obvious hurdles known to all which includes finance, access to information, market and opportunities – we faced and still face all of these until today. But we are deliberate about seeking information, asking for information, mentorship, guidance and really just keeping ourselves informed about what our customers are looking for, and about industry trends and opportunities that are out there. One thing about starting a business, you cannot operate your business as a silo. You must get out there and network”.
What has been the best thing about working together as sisters? And who does what? “Well, it’s almost like our very different career paths have been grooming us to end up here, working together one day. Zodwa is a trained wellness and beauty professional with over 10 year experience in the industry and I, as Vatiswa am a Sales and Business development specialist with over 10 years’ experience. We both love working with, connecting with and meeting new people and place great importance in customer service underpinned by professionalism and service excellence”.
In your experience, how important is it for people to take time and rest out of their busy schedules, and how important is it for you to offer the best services to the public – and support your statement. “People are dealing with so much nowadays because so much is being thrown at us, we are always on autopilot – going through the motions and just moving from one thing to the next. We feel that because of this fast-paced existence taking time out, to give back to the body, mind and soul is very important, it is the right thing to do. We need to replenish that which we extract from the body. This way we are able to regroup and come back to our day-to-day with a fresh and renewed outlook. Also, it is important for us at On The Go to offer the best service, using the best products and the best environment because by doing so, we are contributing to the wellbeing of our customers”.
And what are your business highlights so far? “We believe we have been very blessed with the milestones we have been able to achieve in this short space of time. June 2020, the business launched as a mobile spa service doing house calls – March 2021, we opened at our first site, the stunning Sunrise Hotel in Bluewater Bay. September 2022, we launched our second site at the new Boardwalk Mall in Summerstrand. We do not take this journey for granted and we know we still have a long way to go”.
To wrap it up - we asked the duo when they are not busy with ON THE GO, what do they do to keep sane? Vatiswa shared that she loves being outdoors. Enjoy things like a day at the market with friends and family, listening to live music, taking a shotleft and getting a good old pamper session - Oh and drinking v i n o, she added. While Zodwa said, “If not busy with OTG I am at home or out and about with my 2boys, Khanya 13 years old & Luhle who is 3 years old, those two keep me very busy and entertained, then gym even if just to just kick start my day. Last but not least I love music, so any live show with local artists such as Isibane, Dumza Maswana, Titi Luzipho, Asanda Bam, KoraX, Lisa Yengeni and Nomabhotwe to name a few from Gqeberha”.
Images by: Lindsay Basson
For more information: bookings@otgwellnessspa.com