Ludrish van Wyk: Paving the way in the beauty industry
From employee to entrepreneur
Ludrish Van Wyk, a certified beauty therapist, launched her own spa in Windhoek in June last year, focusing on exceptional client care and a serene atmosphere.
With a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Ludrish van Wyk who graduated from Shadonai Beauty Academy in 2015 and recognised a gap in the local market for high-quality spa services, decided to take the leap and start her own business.
“My goal was to start from the ground up and be my own boss. I wanted to create a place where people can truly relax and receive the exceptional service they deserve,” she said.
At her Elite Retreat, Van Wyk offers a variety of beauty services, including massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Each treatment is tailored to ensure a safe and soothing environment, allowing clients to relax and rejuvenate.
She advises clients to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells giving clients that extra glow with softer and smoother skin. She also urges all her clients to use sunscreen! “It is a vital and essential part of any skincare routine.”
Accomplishments
Despite challenges such as chronic pain, fatigue and the emotional strain of working with clients in distress, Van Wyk considers her biggest accomplishments being able to open her own little space, growing as a therapist, skilled in a range of massage techniques and achieving an increasing client retention by 40%.
Elite Retreat is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by calming music that aids in creating a tranquil experience for every client.
When asked about her passions, she notes that her role as a therapist is both a career and a form of therapy for herself. “I love working with people and making them feel better,” she shares. “This inspiration drives me in both my professional and personal life.”
Aspirations
With great aspirations for the future, Van Wyk sees her business expanding over the next five years. “I want to employ and train aspiring therapists, teaching them that being a therapist isn't just about delivering treatments; it's much deeper than that. It's about understanding energies."
Ultimately, she envisions her spa becoming a hub for self-care education, helping understand the overall importance of well-being, body, soul and mind.
Her advice to young, aspiring professionals is clear: “Work hard, set goals, complete your education and study diligently. Do what you love and you won't feel like you're working a day of your life.”
“My goal was to start from the ground up and be my own boss. I wanted to create a place where people can truly relax and receive the exceptional service they deserve,” she said.
At her Elite Retreat, Van Wyk offers a variety of beauty services, including massages, facials, body treatments, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Each treatment is tailored to ensure a safe and soothing environment, allowing clients to relax and rejuvenate.
She advises clients to exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells giving clients that extra glow with softer and smoother skin. She also urges all her clients to use sunscreen! “It is a vital and essential part of any skincare routine.”
Accomplishments
Despite challenges such as chronic pain, fatigue and the emotional strain of working with clients in distress, Van Wyk considers her biggest accomplishments being able to open her own little space, growing as a therapist, skilled in a range of massage techniques and achieving an increasing client retention by 40%.
Elite Retreat is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by calming music that aids in creating a tranquil experience for every client.
When asked about her passions, she notes that her role as a therapist is both a career and a form of therapy for herself. “I love working with people and making them feel better,” she shares. “This inspiration drives me in both my professional and personal life.”
Aspirations
With great aspirations for the future, Van Wyk sees her business expanding over the next five years. “I want to employ and train aspiring therapists, teaching them that being a therapist isn't just about delivering treatments; it's much deeper than that. It's about understanding energies."
Ultimately, she envisions her spa becoming a hub for self-care education, helping understand the overall importance of well-being, body, soul and mind.
Her advice to young, aspiring professionals is clear: “Work hard, set goals, complete your education and study diligently. Do what you love and you won't feel like you're working a day of your life.”
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