Unlocking the healing potential of touch
Born and raised in Windhoek in Khomasdal, Amy van der Heveer was nurtured by the values of hard work and resilience instilled by her grandmother, mother and father.
Amid a modest upbringing, she was taught that with determination and strong moral principles, one can achieve any goal in life.
”They instilled in us the principles of working hard for what you want in life and in spite of your background, with hard work and good morals, you can achieve your goals,” she said.
Early signs of leadership emerged when Van der Heveer was elected head girl both at St Andrews Primary School and Eldorado Secondary School. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her future plans.
Pursuing education in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she honed her leadership skills and fostered independence, setting the stage for her to embrace leadership roles.
Helping others
Passion for the wellness and beauty sectors blossomed at a young age, sparked by the desire to alleviate the fatigue of hardworking parents. Simple acts like offering back massages and foot treatments ignited a lifelong dedication to wellness.
“My love for my industry started at a very young age. I would see my parents come home exhausted from a hard day at work. I asked myself what I could do to make them feel better, and I started giving them back massages and foot treatments. Seeing how much it meant to them was the ultimate reward for me,“ she said.
Witnessing the relief and relaxation these small gestures brought inspired Van der Heveer to pursue a career in the wellness sector, determined to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
In 2008 she founded the Wellness Centre.
The journey was not without challenges.
Weathering economic downturns, navigating through saturated markets, and facing the unprecedented obstacles of the Covid-19 pandemic tested her resilience.
Each setback became an opportunity for growth and innovation. Amidst the pandemic, Van der Heveer introduced novel ideas like immune-boosting oils and aroma-infused face masks, showcasing an adaptability and commitment to serving clients even in the most challenging times.
“Years of experience taught me how to face and deal with unexpected challenges. You also have to keep yourself motivated so when faced with unexpected challenges, it will not deter you.”
Innovative wellness
Central to Van der Heveer’s success is the emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for clients and delivering exceptional service. The bonds formed with clients, evolving into friendships, underscore the deep-rooted connection she fosters within her wellness centres. Van der Heveer serves as a source of inspiration for her staff, nurturing their growth and empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures of their own.
With the goal of owning property and investing in state-of-the-art equipment, she envisions a future where wellness centres remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
Looking ahead, Van der Heveer aims to solidify her position as a leading wellness destination in Windhoek. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and prioritising customer satisfaction, she believes in the power of word-of-mouth marketing as the cornerstone of her success.
Beyond business success, she advocates for wellness as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Van Der Heveer’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an innovator in the wellness industry exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance and purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. ”Let your passion be your driving force,” she said.
Amid a modest upbringing, she was taught that with determination and strong moral principles, one can achieve any goal in life.
”They instilled in us the principles of working hard for what you want in life and in spite of your background, with hard work and good morals, you can achieve your goals,” she said.
Early signs of leadership emerged when Van der Heveer was elected head girl both at St Andrews Primary School and Eldorado Secondary School. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her future plans.
Pursuing education in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she honed her leadership skills and fostered independence, setting the stage for her to embrace leadership roles.
Helping others
Passion for the wellness and beauty sectors blossomed at a young age, sparked by the desire to alleviate the fatigue of hardworking parents. Simple acts like offering back massages and foot treatments ignited a lifelong dedication to wellness.
“My love for my industry started at a very young age. I would see my parents come home exhausted from a hard day at work. I asked myself what I could do to make them feel better, and I started giving them back massages and foot treatments. Seeing how much it meant to them was the ultimate reward for me,“ she said.
Witnessing the relief and relaxation these small gestures brought inspired Van der Heveer to pursue a career in the wellness sector, determined to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
In 2008 she founded the Wellness Centre.
The journey was not without challenges.
Weathering economic downturns, navigating through saturated markets, and facing the unprecedented obstacles of the Covid-19 pandemic tested her resilience.
Each setback became an opportunity for growth and innovation. Amidst the pandemic, Van der Heveer introduced novel ideas like immune-boosting oils and aroma-infused face masks, showcasing an adaptability and commitment to serving clients even in the most challenging times.
“Years of experience taught me how to face and deal with unexpected challenges. You also have to keep yourself motivated so when faced with unexpected challenges, it will not deter you.”
Innovative wellness
Central to Van der Heveer’s success is the emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for clients and delivering exceptional service. The bonds formed with clients, evolving into friendships, underscore the deep-rooted connection she fosters within her wellness centres. Van der Heveer serves as a source of inspiration for her staff, nurturing their growth and empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures of their own.
With the goal of owning property and investing in state-of-the-art equipment, she envisions a future where wellness centres remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
Looking ahead, Van der Heveer aims to solidify her position as a leading wellness destination in Windhoek. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and prioritising customer satisfaction, she believes in the power of word-of-mouth marketing as the cornerstone of her success.
Beyond business success, she advocates for wellness as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Van Der Heveer’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an innovator in the wellness industry exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance and purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. ”Let your passion be your driving force,” she said.
