How Mangwanani Founder, Erin Limbert Built A World Class African Spa Business With Over 120 000 Clients Per Year
Mangwanani – The African Spa – is a true success story that demonstrates how a business can be built with a social mission at its core. Founded in 2002 by Erin Limbert, the spa has grown to become one of the leading wellness destinations in South Africa, with over 1000 mostly rural women employees and 120,000 visitors annually. The spa’s unique approach of combining traditional African healing techniques with modern spa practices, as well as its commitment to uplifting rural women, has set it apart from other spas in the industry.
One of the challenges Limbert faced in establishing the spa was creating a concept that would capture the African spirit while also promoting relaxation and well-being. However, her vision for the spa was more than just creating a successful business. She also wanted to empower rural women by providing them with training and employment opportunities that would allow them to improve their lives.
Mangwanani’s commitment to uplifting rural women is evident in the fact that 95% of its workforce comprises previously disadvantaged individuals. The spa provides training and accredited qualifications to its employees, ensuring that they are among the finest qualified therapists available. This focus on training and empowering women has been instrumental in the success of the spa, as it has allowed Mangwanani to build a team of skilled professionals who are committed to providing exceptional service to its clients.
In addition to its social mission, Mangwanani has also developed a unique signature product range that has relaxation and well-being at its heart. All products are made with natural and naturally derived ingredients and are fragranced with essential oils, which is in line with the spa’s awareness of its carbon footprint. By using natural ingredients and sustainable practices, Mangwanani has been able to create a spa experience that is not only luxurious but also environmentally conscious.
The success of Mangwanani is a testament to the power of combining social responsibility with business innovation. By focusing on uplifting rural women and providing them with training and employment opportunities, the spa has been able to build a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to their clients. At the same time, the spa’s commitment to sustainable practices and using natural ingredients has helped it to create a unique and environmentally conscious brand.
Mangwanani’s success should serve as an inspiration to other businesses looking to build a social mission into their operations. By prioritizing social responsibility, businesses can create a positive impact on their communities while also building a successful and sustainable business.
