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Relax, Refresh and Recharge in Salt River
They say that everything should be in moderation, but we say that you can never have too many facials, perfect manicures or relaxing massages
“ When I loved myself enough I began listening to the wisdom of my body. It speaks so clearly through its fatigue, sensitivities, aversions and hungers.” - Kim McMillen
We’re all used to living life in the fast lane. The relentless demands of work added to the exhausting ebb and flow of our social and private lives make it all too easy to neglect our bodies. Rushana Meyers, founder of Youghazi, has opened an express beauty bar in Salt River for a speedy yet thorough spa session suited to people on the go.
“I had a vision,” Rushana begins. The 33-year-old entrepreneur had her start making hair treatment at home with her sister. “My grandma would tell us what was good for hair and we concocted a treatment from her advice,” the capetonian explains. After a friend asked for a bottle of the homemade product Rushana packed small bottles of the treatment and started selling them for R100 each. “They really sold like hot cakes,” the beauty bar owner recalls. Using the profits of the hair care product, Rushana ventured into fragrances and six years since she trademarked the business’ name, she has opened a beautiful beauty bar in Cape Town.
Blink and you might miss this oasis dedicated to relaxation and recuperation. Wedged into a unit in the industrial area of Salt River, you’ll walk in and immediately feel like you’ve been transported to a traditional Middle Eastern bayt (home).
Neutral tones like porpoise grey, Persian blue and tawny complement the vibrant bursts of shamrock-, emerald- and pear-green that the indoor plants offer. I settle into one of the chairs, slip off my pumps and slide my neglected feet into the warm water.
Arabic for ‘nourishment,’ Youghazi boats products that are made from the highest quality ingredients to ensure that your body, mind and soul are satisfied and cared for. “It’s not normal to me that people use cheap products on their skin,” the Muslim entrepreneur shares. Not to be misunderstood, Rushana is disciplined about finding quality essential oils at a reasonable price so her customers get the value for their money. While a nail technician exfoliates and massages my feet and calves, the humble business owner and mother of one walks around the cosy beauty bar barefoot and perfectly pedicured. Rushana is wafting through the space explaining her generic and personal perfume fragrance profiles, each one smelling as refreshing and unique as the last.
In under an hour the callouses that had colonized the balls of my feet have been softened, the skin is noticeably smoother and a bright coat of deep sky blue nail varnish has been applied to my toenails. I’ve got his and hers Eau de Parfum (perfect as gifts for a loved one or a colleague), an eyebrow thread and tint appointment has been booked for the weekend and I’m feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks.
Then I step out into the sweltering summer heat and back into reality.
Note: Youghazi Beauty Bar only accepts cash so be sure to pop past the ATM before your pampering appointment.
Tip: Rushana and the Youghazi team are happy to host spa days for small groups wanting to get pampered together. “There is a group of ladies who regularly come into the shop for treatment. They’re a Muslim hiking group and when they make a booking we’ll make some cupcakes, cappuccinos and pastries, and they’ll come in and all have a great time relaxing together. We take care of them,” Rushana says.
The Bill: Beauty treatment ranges between R99 for brow threading to R300 for a full body massage.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm. Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Unit 6 |20 Brickfield Road | Salt River | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 447 2437
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