I am pretty much a risk taker, but I had to think and re-think very long and hard about the decision. We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

After much thought,  we signed the contract, completed all the paper work, paid for our stand and took a deep breathe.

I chose our top three body and bath products & fragrances. A variety of our glycerine soaps and our anti-ageing  range. Yes, of course our popular eczema cream was on the list.

I was clueless, as to how much of each  product I would need to make. I had no idea what to expect with regards to total amount for sales etc. etc.

We set up on the Thursday.  Our van and trailer was packed with products, shelving, marketing material etc.

We arrived at 10 am and started to set up. Around 4 pm we put the last of the finishing touches to the stand. We did a fantastic job and I was proud.

Friday morning Busie and I put our name tags on and headed to the expo. We stood from 9am until 6pm. There is no time or place to sit. You work and you work damn hard. You work none-stop.

The same happened on Saturday and Sunday. My feet were seriously killing me, so much so I wanted to cry. Keep in mind that for a week prior to the show we stood in the factory, mixing, blending or de-canting. It was hectic.

People were really friendly at the show. Yes, the odd cat was there but that’s to be expected. A few people were familiar with our products, which was awesome to hear.

I made a few mistakes, from which I’ve learnt.

Will I do it again, hell yes! Our next expo is The Baby Expo at the Dome in November.

We hope to see you there.

Photos taken by Cazpix Photography

I made at least five different batches and I was not happy with any of them, they were either to runny or lacked consistency etc. I eventually called an organic product expert and she happily assisted me, I’ll be forever grateful.

I now boast that I have the best cuticle cream on offer, it consists of Avocado, Shea and Cocoa Butter – all the necessary butters for that extra nourishment. Coconut oil and Wheat germ have been added too. It has a nice feel to it, I’d say a combination of a paste yet creamy.

Cuticle Cream

It gives me great satisfaction when I succeed as I do not cope with failure. (Hence the reason I kept trying until I mastered it).

The afternoon was filled with lots of laughter and fun. We had a few lucky draws and fabulous prizes were handed out, to name a few (free facial, BNS massage, R200 gift voucher, free hair blow wave, free cut and colour, free make-over, pasta hamper).

There was plenty to drink and eat. The afternoon was definitely enjoyed by everyone.

Our range consists of body mousse, body sugar and salt scrubs, bath milkshakes, bath tea, bath oil, shower gel a manicure and a pedicure range.

During the next month or so we are going to add a Gentleman’s range, a Mum To Be and a Baby range.

All of our products are made from natural ingredients only.

Please visit our website and fill your shopping cart. Happy shopping.

I’d like to thank everyone that attended, your support means so much to me. I am very, very excited about our new business venture and I know it will be a huge success as the products are fabulous.

A few pics from our launch.

Products on display

Variety of bath teas on display

Luxurious bath oil

Beautiful cake made by my mother

My hubby, my partner in crime

Me babbling away about the product range and specials

A client of mine testing the bath milkshake

Clients testing the salt and sugar scrubs

I started the hypnotherapy diet approximately two weeks ago. My sister who is studying hypnotherapy asked if I would be her case study, do you think it has anything to do with the fact that I had to lose 30 kg?

I was rather nervous at first as I like to be in control and not just sometimes but all of the time. The thought of someone else controlling me, frightens me.

However, she helped me while I was studying so it was only fair that I help her.

I was instructed to lie flat on my bed with no bent or crossed knees. The ear phones were placed on my head and the CD started. Her voice was so calming, I remember thinking is this the same person cause I don’t recognise that voice. The music was so relaxing. I was convinced that she had put the incorrect CD on because it felt more like a relaxation session.

The more I listened, the more I relaxed. It felt as if my body had melted into the bed.

I asked Des to jot down a few pointers on how the hypnotherapy works, so here goes………

Hypnotherapy is a means of bringing about a deep state of relaxation and an altered state of consciousness. Essentially you are changing the way you think and react to certain situations, changing your behavioural patterns. For example, with weight loss you are changing your behavioural patterns towards unhealthy food, knowing that they are not good for you and make you put on weight, instead you become more favourable towards healthy food, drinking water and exercising. It’s a healthy way to lose weight as you are not crash dieting or trying out some new fad, but rather eating correctly and being conscious of what you are eating. I think the most important thing is that you don’t feel like you are on a diet but you are losing the kilos!

Everyone experiences hypnotherapy differently, but it is nothing to be afraid of, as Leigh-Ann said it is a relaxing and calming experience. It is the perfect opportunity to have 30 minutes of “ME TIME” in the morning or evening.

As soon as she is qualified I will market the CD through my salon. Hopefully we can start marketing in the next month or so.

I have lost a total of 14 kg, obviously some of it was baby weight. This CD has taught me to stop snacking and too limit my intake of peanut butter and bread:(

I love my salon and I take great pride in my work, I strive to do my best with every treatment. I am always open for suggestions, comments, feedback or help. I try and improve wherever and whenever I can. My salon is situated on our property so I only have to walk a few meters to work, yay – love it. It is very clean as I am a hygiene freak, it is cozy, warm and very inviting.

A few pics of “my work place”

Treatment Room

Treatment Room

Treatment Room

Cozy fire place for those nippy days

Tranquil Body Treats

Once a month I run awesome specials, in hope to gain new clients and also to say “thank you” to my regular clients. Every little saving is a big help.

I’m going to start a blog for the salon as well as for my body products and I am hoping to have it all up ad running by the end of this month. I will post about beauty tips and specials etc.

Feb Special:

book any facial

Revive Facial - Hydated / Mature skin

and

receive a free classic pedicure

Free your feet from aches and pain

you save R110.00

book a full body massage

Relax - Energise - Cherish

and

receive a free classic pedicure

Strap on your sandles with confidence

you save R110.00

book the following wax combo “Hollywood and Underarm” and receive a free ” brow or lip wax” . You save R30.00

Don’t delay book now and spoil yourself – you deserve it!!!