Bobo Zulu is the owner of Zulu Girl Beauty Spa. The spa is located inside the small Litchi Dekor en Geegoed in Groenkloof and offers massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and cellulite treatments.
How did your business start?
I have been working for different salons for the past nine years. While I was doing this, it didn’t feel like I was reaching my personal goals. When my previous boss decided to close her business, I decided to rather start my own salon instead of looking for another job.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Litchi Dekor en Geegoed in Groenkloof is not far from where I used to work. I didn’t want to go far away from my previous clients, as I have built relationships with them.
How did you find your premises?
I approached the owner of Litchi Dekor en Geegoed, Corne Bellingnam, who was, and still is, my client. I went to her shop to ask if she had an extra room available where I would be able to start my own business.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
The business is located in a main street (Florence Ribeiro). This and the fact that there’s also Litchi’s gift shop, Gill’s Coffee Shop, Lynné de Jager handbag and accessories collection, and Edugrafix Albums (selling school albums) on the premises ensures a lot of feet.
Who are your neighbours?
The shop is located in a residential area. Our neighbours are general residents.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
I suppose it is quite high in this area, but luckily I don’t have to pay rent, as I assist in the owner’s shop on a Wednesday. So it’s a win-win situation, as my clients will often walk through her shop as well.
What is your shop footprint?
I see seven clients on a busy day and about four clients on a not so busy day.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Yes, I would like to expand my business by giving massages in corporate environments. These people work on computers and they sit all day long. Their poor posture makes them even more tired and stressed.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, I recently created a website, but most of my clients came with me from my previous work. Word of mouth is my best advertisement at the moment.
What’s your most popular item/service?
My most popular service is most certainly my massages. My clients often tell me that I have a good touch or even a truly healing touch. Pedicures are also a big seller, everyone loves my pedicure sequence and painting.
074 788 4789/012 346 0575
Words: Zena le Roux | Images: Supplied
