Linda Edozien, managing director and CEO of Barazahi, a boutique urban day-spa specializing in calmness, replenishment and beauty therapies has said that there is still a huge market for spa services in Nigeria despite the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.
In an interview, Edozien disclosed that from the number of clients calling Barazahi and waiting for it to open, the market is still huge as many see the spa services as essential to their wellbeing.
“Many see going to a spa as a getaway from stress so even though you could get someone to do a scrub for you at home you don’t get the same ambience or professionalism.
“Right now there are risks associated with everything we do. A client actually said to me recently that our spa treatments are essential to her quality of life. That even the stress of this new way of living has made her need body therapy even more,” she said.
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Speaking on the impact to COVID-19 on her business, she said spa has been shut down for the last three months and the operators are just waiting for the go ahead from Lagos State, adding that during this downtime, they have tried to remain positive and improve themselves so that when they open, they will be able to serve their clients better.
“All our therapists have been undergoing zoom training including training by Biologique Recherche out of Paris. This is a prestigious skincare range that we have used at the spa for the past six years and has been very popular. This has kept our therapists well updated on the brand and procedures.
“We have spent the time also learning how to operate in these unprecedented times. It’s a whole new culture. Even though we have prided ourselves with cleanliness in the past, we have to take it to a whole new level constantly disinfecting ourselves, tools and surfaces as well as social distancing as much as possible,” the CEO of Barazahi said.
Speaking on post COVID, she envisaged that people are going to be choosier about the places they go to for their beauty and wellness therapies and clients will take a longer time in between treatments to reduce their exposure.
Edozien however assured that in Barazahi, the company has maintained its international standards over the past 11 years which is not easy in this country especially with regards to ambience and quality of service.
“We also use one of the most prestigious skincare brands in the world. Our staff turnover has also been very low which is unusual in this industry and this has enabled a comfortable relationship between us and our clients which is essential in such an intimate service industry.
“Barazahi is a one-stop shop for lifestyle. We have been in operation for 11 years now. We have a salon, spa including a Hammam, and a gym. We serve both male and female clients. We also have a salon for children. Barazahi means paradise in Swahili. The idea is that once you come through our doors all your worries are left behind. Relaxation is key in today’s stressful world,” she added.
