Fairy Girl

Have you ever wondered what your talent is? What your purpose is or what gift you have received?

For, thirty odd years I wondered but I wonder no more!

I take you back to my child hood. I lived in the shadow of my beautiful friend. Always following in her footsteps. Often envious of her talents, beauty and intelligence.

Little did I know that I too had a talent, beauty and intelligence.

At the tender age of 30 odd, I discovered my God given talent. My gift is to heal. I heal through my hands and the making of my beautiful skin and body care product range. I’ve touch many lives through my products, be it pampering or therapeutic healing.

I am forever grateful that it took me this length of time to discover my gift. Had I discovered it at an earlier age, I would have taken it for granted. I would never have poured my heart and soul into the making of my fabulous products. I would never have had the passion and dedication that I have now.

I’ve found my God given talent have you?

So its no secret that I’m obsessed about my weight, I don’t know many women who aren’t. I also don’t know of many women, who are prepared to talk about their weight issues / problems openly.

My hubby and I had an agreement that if our weight effected  us, we would  be open and honest with one another about it.

We both have issues regarding “fat”

A few weeks ago I asked him if my weight was a problem. Very politely, he said “no love, I have a problem with the fact that you complain about it and do nothing to fix it”. Oops! True its true!

Since having the girls I’ve really battled with my weight. It was easy to blame the pregnancies because they were so close. Yo-yo dieting didn’t help either.

Anyhow, I visited my physician and after numerous blood tests we discovered that I have high cholesterol and a high fat content (lots of fat in my food selection).

The physician suggested that I try the HCG diet. The diet is followed for 23 days or 40 max. You inject yourself daily. No breakfast is allowed and a total of 500 calories are allowed per day. No dairy, no starch and only certain fruit and veg are permitted.

Sounds bazaar right! Its a tough diet but I’ve managed the 23 days, in total I’ve lost 11 cm and 7 kg.

I’ve decided to do the extra 17 days because I would like to lose another 6 kg.

I fit into a size 12 quite comfortably at the mo but I have a wardrobe full of size 10′s waiting for me.

This diet has changed my life. I have so much more energy. I look and feel great. Most important, I am no longer wearing maternity clothing and I have a whole wardrobe full of clothes, meaning I don’t even need to shop!

Its an expensive diet, I’m not sure if medical aid cover it but it has been worth every penny.

My next obsession is to keep my weight off for six months and then have a noombie lift.

Have u ever longed for someone so much so, that your heart aches?

I have!

Hubby and I spend most of our time together. We are the best of friends, pretty much apart of one another.

We are so in tune with each other that we could finish one another’s sentences.

We are business partners and in fact “life partners”

Last week I went to Cape Town for 8 days, unfortunately hubby couldn’t join me. He picked me up from the airport on the Friday, when we landed. We got to spend an hour maybe two with each other before he set off on his 9 day cycling tour.

Tonight as I lay in our bed, my heart aches for him. I mean physically aches. I can physically feel the pain.

My bed is empty. Well not really cause Josh is lying next to me, but its the place where my hubby should be. On this cold winter night I should be snuggled up against his body, feeling safe, feeling warm. Instead all I feel is the emptiness inside, the tears rolling down my cheeks and the longing.

I keep reminding myself, only four more sleeps and then he will be home. Home with me where he belongs, for me to love, snuggle and cuddle.

Hurry home my love because I miss you dearly.

At the mo, my life pretty much revolves around Tranquil Body Treats. If I’m not busy with formula’s, productions, distributors, franchise then I’m busy making soaps. I have finally finalized our entire range and our new price list should be complete by the end of next week and ready for print.

As promised some stunning pics of our shop at Life Style, situated in the Gourmet Market, Randpark Ridge.

Holistic View of our Flagship Shop

Holistic view of our Flagship Shop

Most of you that follow me on twitter (@FairyGirlZa) will know that I have been on a very strict diet. It’s the HCG diet and it is tough, really tough BUT I’m sticking to it and I’m down a size in my clothing already. Someone told me once that I’d never get back into a size 10, well guess what I’m almost there (thank you, cause you encouraged me to work extra hard and achieve my goal).

I have pretty much been a slim chick all my life so the extra weight from the pregnancies was a huge problem for me. I feel so much better already and I look it too.

My recent trip to Cape Town was wonderful, the weather was a wee bit yukky and we spent a lot of time in and out of malls. I had a meeting with Bay Side mall and we’re hoping to get the verdict for the shop towards the end of this week. I absolutely love the new Cape Quarter but there just isn’t enough feet passing by.

I never got to arrange a tweet up in Cape Town, but hubby and I will do so when we fly down for the opening of the shop.

It’s my birthday today and hubby woke me up singing happy birthday. He is away on a cycling trip for 9 days. Yip, we’ve not seen one another for 8 days as he could’t join us in Cape Town. I’m back for 1 day and he is off again. He made up for it by writing me a beautiful letter, leaving it on my kindle which he gave me for my birthday. I think he was sick and tired of me stealing his. I’m spending my birthday with my folks, sister and her BF.

My special little boy Joshua woke me up this morning with some coffee and he made his sisters hot chocolate. He truly is an amazing child, a precious gem – created just for me! Okay, I have to share him with a few at times:)

My kids are all well, happy little campers.

I’m hoping to catch up on a some blog reading this weekend, before I start work on Tuesday.  I’m so out of the loop.

Have a fabulous long weekend, everybody!

Hubby and I attended one of my dearest and oldest friends, wedding in Cape Town, a few weeks ago. Wow, what a wedding. Definitely the best wedding I’ve ever attended. My friend Hilary looked beautiful. Her husband said the most beautiful vows to her, you could feel and see his love for her. Everything was perfect, from the venue, to the food, the wine and all of the guests. This is a marriage that will last a life time.

While hubby and I were in Cape Town we visited a few sites, in search for a shop for one of our Tranquil Body Treats Franchisees.

Oh! this is news to you……………………….  Well we are super, super excited. Our first Franchisee is none other than the beautiful Laura. I’ve known Laura for a good few years, we met whilst working for the same corporate company. Laura was the type of girl I really admired, I don’t think she was ever aware of the fact. She has strong leadership abilities and is a damn hard worker. Barend and I  are really thrilled that Laura is going to own her own Tranquil Body Treats shop. I know that she will make a huge success of her business.

I feel very honoured and privileged that Laura chose Tranquil Body Treats as her Franchisor. It shows that she is passionate about our product and that she has faith in us. Likewise, we have faith in her and David. Her shop opens on the 1st of May in Pretoria.

We are hoping to open our second Franchisee store towards the end of May in Cape Town, we have found a beautiful location and are waiting for the final T’s to be crossed and I’s to be dotted. My sister, Desiree, who is our Cape Town distributor is going to be the proud owner of her own shop.

We have another Franchisee shop opening further up North, but unfortunately we can’t reveal too much because the negotiations are still taking place.

Someone asked me the other day if it’s easy to open a Franchise. Yes and no, I guess it depends on the product type and of course the business type.

We have had to make a few changes with regards to our product labels, sign-age, wording around our marketing material, containers etc. In South Africa, there are very strict regulations in the cosmetic, toiletry and beauty industry.

As a Franchisor it is our duty to ensure that we have enough stock for our ingredients, containers, labels etc. All of our ducks need to be in a row.  We need to ensure we have back up suppliers, in actual fact back ups of and for everything. There is so much that has to be done, the list is endless but we’re 99% there.

We’ve even had to make changes to the factory. We have to comply with the regulations. We’ve had to send our products for micra and stabil testing. So you see yes, in our industry there is quite a lot that needs to be done.

Some more exciting news!!!! we have extended our shop at Life Style. We have taken over the shop that was next to ours. At the moment the painting is complete, the banners and posters have been ordered and will hopefully be delivered within the next week. The hand made ceramic bowls for the salts and suguar scrubs will delivered on Friday. The shelves have all had a beautiful make-over. Our new soap tray is being made and I’m still deciding on our branded gift bags. The wooden floor will have to wait a while cause it costs a little too much BUT Rome was not built in one day.

So, as you see our wonderful business is growing somewhat and we owe it to all of you that believed and still believe in us and our products.

Thank You !

I see you staring at me through your not so sober eyes. I can feel the daggers and I know that you are judging me.

You are of course allowed to do this, but do you not realize that it is you who is hurting – that it is you that has the issues and insecurities. You are causing your own self hatred and jealousy allowing it to eat at you.

I’ve set my boundaries and because they don’t suit you, you retaliate. My boundaries are there for mine and my family’s protection. If you don’t like what I have to say then don’t listen. If you don’t like what I have to write then don’t read. My boundaries will only affect you because you have your very own issues that you have not dealt with. So please don’t make your insecurities or problems mine, because I do not deserve such treatment and I will most certainly not allow it.

How many of you (my readers) have experienced this? Personal boundaries are healthy. I’m glad I’ve set mine – have you?

There seems to be so much going on at the mo, nothing unusual for me – right. I think I actually thrive on being a busy bee.

The Tranquil Body Treats brochure finally arrived and it is absolutely stunning. Special, special thanks to the models (my beautiful family) and the two fabulous photographers Jeanette and Sharon.

Full Colour 16 page brochure A4 size

I am thrilled to announce that we have quite a few distributors, Laura, Wenchy, Sharon and MeeA are of the few and I encourage you to please support these wonderful ladies.

sure, gonna need lots of grass to plant

I started working on our garden. We have pulled up a huge amount of paving in our back yard. I’m hoping to have all of the stones and rubble removed this week so I can plant the grass and finally get the kids trampoline and jungle gym put in.

I am also busy building a quiet time spot in the garden for hubby and I to chill, read or meditate. Still need to source the water feature and garden furniture. It is definitely going to look beautiful. It was a beautiful spot at once upon a time, but unfortunately we had to pull most of the bushes and shrubs out because of the water proofing in the factory (broke my heart)

As most of u r aware I pretty much beg, borrow and steal herbs from my neighbours and friends for my products. This will no longer be happening as I am going to build a herb garden, a lavender and a rose garden.

Pathway leading to hubby's office

One of my dearest friends is getting marriedthis month so hubby and I are jet setting to Cape Town for a few nights. I am soo looking fwd to it. We really, really need time alone.

The waterproofing  has finally been done in and around the factory. We have had endless problems with the building and trying to keep up with the regulations. However, everything has been done and all is 100% in order. We will paint sometime this week and I’m hoping to send out the “factory wetting” invites soon. I may disappoint some people because I have decided not to make it a friends and family affair but a special function for our distributors and their wonderful clients.

Entrance to office of Tranquil Body Treats

I’ve joined a slimming clinic and have set myself a goal to loose 10 kg over 3 months. I lost 1.5 kg in my first week. I am having my measurements taken this week and I’m hoping that I’ve shed a few centimetres. (My b – hind does look as if it has shrunk a wee bit) LOL.

Hubby and I have had to make a decision with regards to my health, it seems that I will have to have a small procedure done which will mean no more babies. Yes, I know I’ve had my tubes tied but that is still not FINAL, so I’m not finding this decision an easy one to make. Knowing that the op will mean NO MORE BABIES is really something I am battling with at the moment.  The op will also help with my constant weight gain. I’ll probably blog about this sometime later when I know what is what.

I’m becoming quite addicted to Twitter, meeting such wonderful, wonderful people.  Its lovely to be able to put a face to a name, when we finally meet.

Anyway here’s to hoping you all have a fab, fab week.

I often get asked questions about Tranquil Body Treats, so I have decided to blog about a few of them.

Where do I get my ingredients from?

Well uhm, not that it is state secret, but if  I give you that info I may as well just give you my formulas LOL.  I purchase from various suppliers throughout South Africa and some ingredients come from abroad. I work with some farmers too.

Who inspires me?

When I first started I was inspired by a few people, but at the mo I am really inspired by an elderly lady named Roslyn. She has had her own organic skin and body care range for 30 years. She is a phenomenal woman and she often assists me with my formula’s etc. She has provided me with so much information about the industry, all the rules and regulations that need to be adhered to and also about importing and exporting etc.

Will you open a Franchise?

Hmm a tough one to answer at the mo, lets say we’re not saying no but we’re not saying yes either.

Do you believe in competition?

I’ve blogged about this before. Competition is very healthy, keeps me on my toes. I don’t  focus on the competition because if I do then my product will end up looking like my competitors ass LOL but I do keep up to date with what’s happening around me. I either learn from my competitors mistakes or learn from their success.

Do you make the products?

Yes, I do. I’m not ready to hand over the reigns just yet. I am however, training a wonderful gentleman to assist me in the factory. I’m not very good with delegating, I prefer to do everything myself but because we are getting busier I know that soon I’ll need to let go “just a wee bit”.

Are all of your products made by hand?

Yes, everything is made by hand. We have no machinery in our factory except for mixers.

Are their rules and regulations when opening a factory?

Most definitely, by law you may not make skin or body products in an environment that is not suited to the set standards. Hygiene is of the utmost importance. My staff have certain items of clothing that they have to wear when entering the lab / production area.

What is your favourite product?

Ooh, I’d be lying if I had to tell you that I have a specific product that I like. I like all of them but I will let you in on a secret – there are one or two fragrances that I am not too keen on but I am in this business to keep my clients happy and I have to provide what they like.

What part of your job do you dislike?

I really don’t enjoy labelling the containers  and neither do I like sealing the pressure seals.

Is it difficult to make the recipes?

They are known as formulas. We are going to TM our products soon, so we have had to make sure that the formula’s are 100% correct. The ingredients have to blend with one another. We have to ensure that no chemical reaction occurs when mixing products or when they are decanted etc. We have to be certain of the shelf life etc. We have to be sure that the client gets the desired results, so the formula’s have to be perfect.

Are your containers bio-degradable?

Yes, they are.

How do you handle working with the different fragrances?

I often get headaches if I work with too many essential oils at the same time. I try and drink a lot of water while I’m working. I do take breathers every now and again.

Are you products safe for pregnant woman?

We have a wonderful pregnancy range suited for pregnant ladies. There are certain products that are not safe and we have to ensure that we advertise it. On our website, price list and brochure you will notice that we have highlighted products that are not suited for ladies during their pregnancies. I have blogged about the safety of essential oils during pregnancy.

What is laureth sulphate?

Oooh, I call it the cheap and nasty foaming agent that is used in shampoos, bubble baths, toothpaste and also creams. Most of the shelf  products use SLES. The sodium laureth sulphate found in everyday soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines.

What foaming agent do you use?

A natural one.

Are your products natural or organic?

By law you may not label or claim that your products are organic, if you do not have the certification to prove it and if the stamp is not visible on your labels. We are therefore all natural

Do you use any form of chemicals or alcohol in your products?

Definitely not!

Do you use fresh foods in your products?

Noop, we can claim “that our products are safe for Vegans”. All of our ingredients are natural and are found in mothers earth. I am not saying that food is not natural LOL but fresh food has a very short shelf life and one has to be very careful of fungus and bacterial growth.

What is the shelf life for your products?

The majority of our products have a shelf life between 1 – 1 and 1/2 years.

Do you use preservatives in your products?

Yes, hence the reason our products have a shelf life. The preservatives that we use are natural.

Wow, there are still so many other questions that I’ve been asked but I’ll have to keep them for another post.

I started working for myself at the tender age of 22, I had my own successful modelling agency called Outlook Models. I had photographic models, children models, ramp models and character models. I loved my job. BUT five years down the line I wanted and needed a change. The change had a lot to do with my morals. In my opinion the modelling industry is pretty much “who is who in the zoo’ and “what will you offer for a free shoot etc”. I was VERY protective of my models and often turned down jobs on their behalf. Most of them were so young, starting their international career at the tender age of 16.

Anyhow, I pretty much spent a good couple of years in the Corporate world, which I began to loath. About five years ago my sweet husband told me to resign and open up my own beauty salon. (I studied part-time as a single parent for 3 years in the beauty industry). Shoo, I remember thinking how can I just walk away from my coo-shy salary, my colleagues (I cared for a few, very few) and my clients (I adored my clients). BUT most importantly how was I going to survive with NO salary, I mean hey I was very independent and had practically raised Josh on my own for four years. (his father did  and still does pay maintenance). I was now having to hand everything over to my  husband.

My loving husband Barend, told me not to stress he would provide…………………………and he did and he does. I was told to resign immediately. I remember typing out my letter of resignation and when I arrived at work my palms were sweaty, I felt nauseas etc. I was so scared that I was making a mistake. BUT I was so unhappy where I was. Even though I was on the road all day & hardly ever in the office, the few moments I had to spend there were sucking the life out of me.

I eventually plucked up the couraged and asked my boss if we could chat. Shame, he still thought I was kidding (he really was a lovely man to work for, just a pitty his line manager was a…….yah!)

So a month down the line, I packed up my desk and left.

I set up my salon at home, in a beautiful Rondaval and it was truly Tranquil. I had never worked for any other salon so I had to start my client base from scratch. Word of mouth people – I tell you – word of mouth. And the fact that I was the best Brazilian Wax therapist around helped a lot.

Anyhoo, the years went by (4) and I ventured into another business, now known as Tranquil Body Treats.

This is my dream job, my passion, my calling. I have VERY healing hands and I heal through my products. This is my God given talent, to make people feel better about themselves and their skin. To help people look after their skin and bodies.

Starting Tranquil Body Treats was easy for me, because my friends, family, clients and husband believed in me BUT most importantly I believed in ME. I believed in Tranquil Body Treats, my product. I trusted my gut feeling and went with it.

Working for myself is wonderful BUT it does has its ups and downs. Don’t think I go to bed every night without stress. I stress a lot. I worry about finances, my staff, do I have enough ingredients, are my labels going to arrive on time for an order, will the courier collect in time. etc. etc. BUT even though I stress I know that every single month I make it, in fact because of who I am, who Barend and I are, who my staff and distributors are, who and what my product does – I MAKE IT.

If you feel so passionately about something and you want to go on your own, I would encourage it. BUT make sure you have a person to back you, to trust in you, to believe in you. Make sure you are doing something for you and nobody else. Always remember you cannot give half heartedly. You cannot provide good service for one week then decide the next week to loaf. Make sure your family and work is well balanced.

Set targets for yourself. Set boundaries, this is probably one of the most important things to do. If you fail at something that is okay, move onto the next thing. I’ve made a few formula’s that have not worked and I’ve not put them on the shelf because I only put the best out there. Does that mean I’m a failure? No, it means I work at making the formula better or different.

Always strive to give your clients the best service possible.  If something is wrong or not working don’t moan about it fix it!!

I often work late into the night, but I do so when my children are in bed and when hubby has his own work to do. I make sure I still have time for them. I have to work hard to be successful and I AM.

I absolutely love working from home and most of all I love working for myself (okay my husband is my business partner – does that count LOL). There are countless reasons why, but to name just a few:

• I love the fact that I can lie in, in the mornings with my girls. We read stories together, play, tickle – it truly is awesome.
• I can have breakfast with my family, with no big rush.
• I don’t always have to be dressed to the T. Sweat pants and a T shirt is fine.
• I can support Joshua with all of his sports matches. I love sitting on the side of the field, cheering him on.
• I love having lunch with my hubby. (we both work from home, but do have separate offices)
• I don’t have to drive in hectic traffic.
• I don’t have to answer to anyone (okay sometimes my business partner). I have no nagging colleagues.
• I can have a manicure, facial, pedicure when I feel like it.
• There is no clock watching, I work at my leisure. (Unless of course I’m under pressure to get a big order out)
• I can sit on the internet all day if I choose to and no-one can complain.
• There is no time management.
• I love the fact that I can play with my kids in the afternoon. We often play ball in the drive way, be it piggy in the middle or soccer.
• My children love having me home.
• My husband loves working with me at home.

Today, I went inside the house to make a cup of coffee and spent a little bit of quality time with Logan, whilst Abigail was sleeping. I made a really nice lunch, cous cous, peppers, mushrooms, bacon, spring onions, cheese and mango with a sweet chilli, mustard and honey sauce.  The girls, Barend, Gogo and I sat and had lunch together.  I most certainly wouldn’t be able to do that if I was working for someone else and certainly not if I was working  in an office somewhere.